Is there anything more powerful than an outstretched hand or a reassuring smile of fellow woman in your direction? From a very young age, we all experience a life-altering influence of sisterhood and the strength this bond brings. Women can be powerful allies in life and at work for other women. However, we are taught otherwise. Traditionally we have been taught to be competitive, we are pitted against each other in every aspect and stage in life – appearance, intelligence, success, social skills, the partner we chose and a lot more. It’s time we reverse the cliché that women don’t support other women.
The truth is that the power of collaboration and teamwork is truly how we’ll change the narrative. Several studies show that women who support women at work are more successful in business and their careers. Women trying to make it in leadership or excel in their careers often face social, cultural and systemic bias, challenges and hurdles that make it harder for them to advance in the workplace. A Harvard review of the Penalties for Success: Reactions to Women Who Succeed at Male Gender-Typed Tasks, Journal of Applied Psychology, suggests that the way to overcome this is to form close connections with other women, who can share and exchange experiences — from how to ask for what you’re worth, upskilling yourself, and bringing unique talents to leadership.
A woman alone has power; but together we create an everlasting impact. Celebrating another woman's growth or success will never take away from your shine. If anything, it'll add to it and generate more light. So, what are women in the workplace to do? These are some simple ways that women can champion and support each other at work.
Celebrate Each Other
According to a study titled Gender Differences in Recognition for Group Work by Harvard, men get the same amount of credit when they write a research paper with a co-ed team as they do when they’re the sole author. In contrast, women get almost zero credit if they write a paper as part of a team with a man on it. We also as a group tend to underplay our accomplishments and credit several factors including luck. Men own their success, but when women celebrate our own accomplishments, we are often reprimanded for showing off.
• Look for opportunities to your colleague’s accomplishments
• Point out if your colleague is being apologetic or underplaying her success, encourage her to celebrate.
• When you introduce female co-workers, highlight their credentials and accomplishments
• Celebrate yourself on your accomplishments, there’s no better encouragement than inspiring others
Make Sure Your Tribe Is Heard
During meetings or group discussions have you ever noticed how male colleagues tend to occupy the more obvious front and center seats, while women tend to be at the back of the table, they are also often interrupted or ignored. Studies also show that women in entertainment and media also get less airtime.
• Set an example by sitting up front-and-center.
• Speak up during meetings, this may encourage your colleagues to do so
• If a colleague has ideas that she has shared with you before, encourage her to share the same with the room.
• If a fellow colleague is interrupted during a conversation, say you’d like to hear her finish.
• If a co-worker doesn’t credit a woman’s idea, make it a point to mention it to everyone by saying, “Great idea . . . thanks to Priya for surfacing it.”
Commit Time And Energy To Support Another Woman
Two-thirds of the men who participated in LinkedIn’s Women in the Workplace study reported that their mentors were mostly men and that women are less likely to have mentors who advocate for and promote them.
• If you’re early in your career, as a colleague don’t undervalue your inputs, share your thoughts and experiences with someone who is just starting out in her career
• Help each other out to understand processes, the job at hand, or even something as simple as where they can find good coffee in the building.
• If you are up in the hierarchy chain, take some time out to assess your female employees, offer encouragement, share how they can develop their skills and grow.
• As a female leader mentoring a female employee it is a great way to help women early in their careers.
Demand Constructive Feedback For Yourself
Having worked in the hospitality industry, which is predominantly male dominated, I have often received generic and less helpful feedback. While my male colleagues got very specific comments for improving their performance and a chance to be a part of the company upskill programs, my boss and I heard feedback which was a little difficult to act on – such as “you are good at what you do”, “your attitude should be more welcoming”, “you need to be a people’s person”. Unfortunately, this kind of feedback doesn’t allow an individual to grow at their jobs.
• Talk to each other and discuss how you can learn more and grow.
• Ask for feedback often.
• Encourage your colleague to highlight her accomplishments and her future in the company during appraisals and do it yourself too.
Random Acts Of Kindness Go A Long Way
A compliment or a small act of kindness can go a long way in helping a fellow colleague through a day.
• If a female colleague is having a tough time with the boss, offer her a shoulder to cry on.
• Listening without judgement is key.
• Leave an affirmation note.