What it is like to be the only woman in a team? During my training period, I’ve been the only women in the class and I was quite normal with it. But now when I am working as a Marketing manager at ProofHub - a project management software for teahms, I have had an experience with someone for whom it was pretty much unusual to work in a room where the majority was of males.
Sabia being new to the male-dominated world of tech, was a lot disturbed when she had to adjust in a team where we had all men (by chance). It was difficult for her to make her position strong, stay up front, and be courageous. And she eventually quit! It was discouraging. And I absolutely do not wish any woman here to lose their confidence in any situation. Maybe there is no one to dominate but a lot of you out there may be sluggish when it’s a team of all men. There are many great examples to take inspiration from, so why to get off the track.
Most women will admit that they do not feel 100% at all times, especially when they are working in a team with male dominance or a male majority. Now, let me get to the point. The women in leadership throughout the years teach us all a thing or two along the way. With that in mind, here are some of the few ways to be strong, build your confidence (based on my experiences with the people I worked):
It’s holding you back! In an attempt to be noticed, many times woman play the role of the pleaser. It simply shows you’re unsure of yourself. If you’re always agreeing with everyone in the room, taking over a project that no one wants to do, or staying up late - then you are being a people pleaser. Get over it. Be nice, but sidewise your pleasing actions.
Manage your work as a confident leader. Start using ProofHub.
Stop taking things so personally that it affects you. Your offended reactions to everything small or big will lead to uncomfortable situations at work. Stay cool if you hear even a disgusting story about you and handle it smartly. But of course, sexual harassment is never ok.
Anyhow dressing is a secret formula to being confident. Make sure you are dressed in clothes that fit you well making you stand out. Spot the latest trend. Or bring out a signature style that reflects your personality while making a professional impression. It will simply empower you to grow, achieve, and thrive in work and life.
Your baby talk will hold you back professionally. You do not have to get into that tone to get what you want. Speak authoritatively. The childish voice will impact the way you will be perceived by clients and your team. A lot of men judge this habit in a woman as being insecure or stupid. If you cannot get over the habit, watch videos of women who speak authoritatively and prevent any negative judgment.
Even when the gender ratio isn't in your favor, these tips will help you thrive. Remember you’re a powerful woman. We have the capability to rise above every situation in front of us. Get your body and mind in the right space to have the boost you need to be understood as the confident leader you are. The change will only be there when we women have the power, voice, and confidence. Bring out the best!
How do you handle the tough situations at work? Share your experiences and comments below!
Vartika Kashyap is the Marketing Manager at ProofHub and has been one of the LinkedIn Top Voices in 2017. Her articles are inspired by office situations and work-related events. She likes to write about productivity, team building, work culture, leadership, entrepreneurship among others and contributing to a better workplace is what makes her click. Follow her on Linkedin.
What an inspiration!!!
Thank you, Vartika. This article is an absolute delight to read, and inspirational in so many ways, especially for young women!
Powerful read !
Very constructive
Wow!
Great ideas. We need to expand the conversation.
Nice one. Very useful.
This is such an important topic, loved reading your post.
Vartika is the Chief Marketing Officer at ProofHub. She has 6 Years experience in online digital marketing, brand optimization and SEO along with social media marketing and email marketing strategies. Vartika holds an MBA in Finance (Banking) & Marketing from the IBS Hyderabad.
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