Many say “Man-up”; I say “Woman-up” ;)

I had received a meeting request yesterday, seeing the subject, without much doubt, I had accepted. This morning I had walked into the meeting, halfway through I had realized that I was the only female in the room. From the speaker, to fellow colleagues – all males. Instantly it struck, what a male-dominated environment I work in.

Information Technology territory have always been known as the men’s domain(no pun intended)- and the kitchen? Oh we sure know the perception around this stereotype.

Who said I cannot wire up a PC together, paint my room and at the same time, make a meeean cheese samich?

Thinking back as to why was I the only female in the room has much to do with women in the workplace feeling less-confident, or like she doesn’t quite fit in. Come to think of it, in my career path, senior management consists of 80% males – therefore females may feel like they cannot relate to the seniors in a number of ways. We all are fighting the same battle – except that I fight for women to stand-up and lead themselves.

The 20% of females that are in the senior positions need to assist the others as a mentor or in whatever way, shape or form(Believe it or not, we have a shortage of this). She should be such that, other females can relate to her, gain confidence from her and in time, rule beside her. Way too many women are in competition with the rest, when, we should be standing together. As I am writing this, it’s shockingly questionable as to how many women have come to mind.

Luckily enough, I had 3 other females join my team, otherwise I would have been the only, with about 13 males. Bad? I think not. It’s my opportunity to show them that I have a purpose here too, my capabilities are no less equal to theirs. I can share my opinions and ideas and we can work together. Now with the other females beside me, I have back-up!

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is a success.”

Henry Ford

We as women, can master anything we put our minds to(well, anyone can yeah?). We can master the art of being successful in a male-dominated environment. If you are in a similar situation as myself, you would have noticed that the guys are very vocal about their ideas, suggestions and thoughts. So ladies, speak up! You might have brilliant suggestions and ideas. If you don’t understand something, don’t feel uncomfortable to ask – no question is a stupid question. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying be forceful – just be yourself. Be calm, and question or suggest where need be. Give your input.

Do not be the “Yes” woman. As per Forbes, and myself(from personal experience), there’s tremendous pressure to work hard and keep an overflowing plate. Lunch and coffee runs aside(I never take lunch breaks more than half of the time), it’s all too easy to say yes to every project as you strive to “be a good employee” – the mistake we make is that we don’t push back  when we don’t have capacity. You can bet many of the guys say no—and you should, too. And hey, there’s only one of you, how much more can you give.

A study(don’t ask me which one as I have stumbled upon this about 2 years back) finds women do better when playing up their masculine skills, such as assertiveness and independence.

All I have to say to my ladies out there – Go forth and conquer!