Gender stereotypes are completely outdated, yet the media bombards us with misrepresentations about women in business. The most recent trending articles regarding businesswomen are entitled: Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg attacks gender stereotypes at work; Marissa Meyer at Yahoo! Declares: Face Time Is The Key; and What Does Power Really Mean To Women?
It's time for women in business, women entrepreneurs, and all women to unmask. The traditional qualities that are attributed to gender, such as: Men are: unemotional, assertive, independent, risk takers, strong, powerful and leaders and women are: emotional, sensitive, passive, dependent, risk averse, weak, flirtatious, and followers just doesn't ring true anymore.
In my last blog, I wrote about the importance of flirting in business - not just for women, but men. I made a point of saying that I learned my ability to flirt in business from my Dad. Well, I received more emails about that blog, mostly from women, than any other blog I've written in the past 4 years. Why? Because too many women are enraged by the idea that flirting just might work. And, in my experience, too many women are appalled at the thought that they might just have a leg up on the male competition. (Leg up will most likely get me in trouble as well - but I digress).
The point is women in business must bring their true selfs to their work. There is nothing wrong or unappealing about being an independent, well-spoken woman. As a matter of fact, I know a lot of them and I known YOU DO TOO!
Business today requires all of our time, energy and effort, and by holding back on using inborn skills and other skills learned through experience, we are only hurting our potential success.
Finally, women in business need to pay less attention to what Sheryl Sandberg and Marissa Meyer (et al) are saying and doing and focus on getting ahead. As much as I believe in mentors and role models, I find it a waste of time for every woman on the planet to spend time discussing what the 'media darlings' are talking about today. The only women who should be doing this are those in the media business.
Find women you can truly relate with to spend time reading and thinking about and following. These are the women that will help your career advance.
So, the 3 reasons women in business must unmask are:
(1) Women's intuition. Study after study reports that women's intuition is a strength. So, if you aren't willing to "go with your gut" because you believe that you dont have what it takes (a male ego) to get what you want then you are missing out on one of your greatest attributes.
(2) Relationship Builder. Women know how to build relationships. Yes, we were born with this ability to nurture. I promise it is in your genes so please use this skill. The best networkers are those that understand that you must give to get. Don't let anyone tell you to hold back from this natural tendency.
(3) Collaborator. Women are natural collaborators. Yes, you can be a leader and a collaborator at the same time. When others understand that their ideas and input is valued they are more likely to share. Building a business, a team or a country requires sharing ideas and working together. Women are naturals and must allow this talent to shine.
Ask yourself if you are holding back from your natural tendencies in your business and career. Are you trying to be something that you aren't? Are you attempting to model yourself after another woman who's success you admire? Do you go home at night feeling exhausted from faking it until you make it?
If you answer yes to any of these questions it is time to unmask and be yourself. Strong, sensitive, independent, cooperative, collaborative, assertive or aggressive - it doesn't matter. When you bring your true self to your work everything you do becomes more comfortable and success is in your reach.
So the next time someone tells you that you are acting like a girl thank them for the compliment.
