Catpult Your Career
It’s tough out there for women and if you want to advance your career you need a strategy and the resolve to follow-through with your plan. Stephanie Chen wrote a great column for CNN Living detailing ways that women can get ahead in the workplace. Interviewing a group of business experts, researchers, and authors, Chen offers the following compilation of advice about how to avoid the pitfalls that can hurt your career and what you need to do to get to where you want to be.
Quit thinking the workplace is fair. The playing field is not yet equal so women must distinguish themselves for their professional strengths and value-add so gender does not become the focus of their professional employment package. The barriers for raising a family and surviving as a professional are still significant so plan accordingly and choose to work for an organization that honors your professional values.
What are you waiting for? Ask for juicy assignments, bring your accomplishments to the attention of your boss, and don’t be afraid to toot your own professional horn when recognition is deserved. Be seen and heard in your workplace and take a seat at the table so you can be on the radar screen of your boss and her boss.
Don’t be afraid to ask. Studies show that women are still 85% less likely to ask for a raise than men. By doing the research, knowing your return on investment, and practicing your negotiation role-play with a trusted mentor you have nothing to lose when asking for what you want. Practice and ask with confidence!
Don’t ever, ever, cry at work. Game face on – never let them see you sweat, or cry. The emotional moments are palpable and can be frequent in these economic times but emote in the privacy of your office or preferably at home. You don’t want to be misinterpreted as over-emotional or weak. Be in control of how others perceive you at work.
Make the most out of feedback and criticism. Being able to handle constructive or even negative feedback showcases your resilience as a receptive worker. Don’t take it personally – keep the focus on the professional at all times.
Remember wealth is more than just a paycheck. Women should take advantage of employer benefits like 401K plans and other contribution packages even if they are in a double income relationship with a partner. Even if you are not the primary earner in your family, you deserve to capitalize on the company benefits that will enable you to retire some day.
The way you look and talk matters. Your attire, personal grooming, and speaking skills affect how others perceive you. Brush up on your professional etiquette and seek out a polished female role model that you can emulate. Practice communicating with confidence and clarity since professional impressions are long lasting.
