“I’d love to meet your CEO. Where is she?”
In the worldwide blockbuster Barbie, Margot Robbie’s character Barbie enters the real world and visits the company headquarters of the parent toy company Mattel. In Barbieworld, women hold all the positions of power. She gawks at the all male executive board as they reveal that there are no female executive staff at Mattel.
As a woman of color executive, you may relate to this scene. Although strides have been made, there is still a lack of female leadership in top companies. As of January 2023, about 10% of Fortune 500 companies have female leadership.
Like Barbie in the real world, it can be challenging for women executives in a male-dominated workplace. However, there are several strategies that can help you navigate this environment effectively. Here are some tips to consider to bring out your inner Barbie in the boardroom.
Confidence and Assertiveness: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Speak with confidence, maintain eye contact, and project a strong presence. Being assertive without being aggressive can help you command respect and attention.
Know Your Stuff: Be well-prepared and knowledgeable about your work and the topics you discuss. When you can demonstrate expertise, it becomes harder for others to dismiss your contributions.
Speak Up in Meetings: Don't hesitate to share your ideas and opinions in meetings. It's important to contribute to discussions, even if you feel outnumbered or intimidated.
Find Allies and Mentors: Connect with colleagues, male or female, who support and appreciate your ideas. Having allies and mentors can provide you with valuable advice, encouragement, and a support network. For more information on the importance of mentorship, read our blogpost.
Network Strategically: Build professional relationships across the organization. Networking can help you gain visibility and credibility, and it may lead to opportunities for advancement.
Seek Recognition: If your ideas are not being acknowledged, ensure you get credit for your contributions. When presenting ideas, make sure your name is attached to them. If someone else presents your idea, politely interject and credit yourself.
Create or Join Support Groups: Consider forming or joining a group of women in the workplace to share experiences and provide mutual support. It can be helpful to know you are not alone in facing certain challenges.
Educate and Advocate: Sometimes, men might not be fully aware of the gender-related challenges women face. Educate your colleagues about these issues when appropriate, but do so constructively. Raising awareness can lead to a more inclusive workplace.
Address Biases Professionally: If you encounter bias or discrimination, address it professionally. You can approach the person directly or, if necessary, seek support from human resources or a supervisor.
Focus on Results: Ultimately, your performance and the value you bring to the organization will speak for itself. Concentrate on delivering high-quality work and achieving results.
Lead by Example: If you're in a leadership position, use your influence to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace. Encourage and support the ideas and initiatives of other women.
Change might not happen overnight, but by consistently applying these strategies, you can increase your visibility, influence, and impact in a male-dominated workplace. It's essential to stay true to yourself and not compromise your values while striving to be heard and respected.
If you are struggling with succeeding in your male-dominated workplace, schedule a call with Veena to discuss strategies on empowering yourself and others.