English
The social image of a woman is not the same as it used to be, home and family are not an obstacle anymore. Businesswomen climb in their heeled shoes to the highest ranks of Forbes ratings, as well as occupying top positions in small and medium-sized businesses.
According to statistics, the number of women occupying top management positions has increased. Actually, futurologists called our century "the age of women", because they made a "quiet revolution" over the world and now they have weighty representation in both the labor force and in entrepreneurship. In the managerial field, there are also more and more women.
Some time ago, activity equaled masculinity, and femininity equaled passivity. However, gender norms have changed, and it is incorrect to speak in this way anymore in an era of complete emancipation because women fulfill themselves on a par with men.
Still, there is a stereotype that women don't aspire to a leadership position since their mind is occupied with family and household chores. The reason for women may not be striving for leadership positions is that their efforts will be on average 28% less financially compensated. In any industry where the main roles belong to men, it is hard for women to gain a foothold, even if she is an experienced and knowledgeable worker. A woman will hear jokes about the color of her hair, heels, and neckline of her top, or she will get paid less than a man, although her experience and skills will be on a par. For now, this is our reality, however, at the same time, everyone sees the direction of travel - the wage gap is narrowing, more women are assuming executive positions, and gender inequality will just disappear someday and be forgotten. This time will come. And what about today? Are there any tips on how to transition from the "lady" to the "lady boss"?
What should a professional woman do to succeed?
Step on the throat of the internal impostor
The impostor syndrome is an inability to internalize your professional accomplishments. Not every woman, unlike a man, can directly declare her achievements. Once more, this problem has its roots deep in history - modesty was supposed to make a woman attractive, but it made everyone feel that women know less than men! Even the fact that women are paid 30% less in the same position than men, in my opinion, is directly related to the problem of women's self-esteem. They are afraid to show what they are capable of! Here it is - the impostor syndrome.
If a female candidate doesn't declare that she has the necessary skills, then, of course, a manager will choose a man who knows his value. The point, though, is not that they would hire a man rather than a woman - it's just that in this market they pay more to professionals, and weak candidates have to be satisfied with less.
Actually, I can hardly imagine how someone without experience can occupy an important position in a company because you have to constantly prove your knowledge and your cases - every day, every minute at work. Get used to working as soon as you graduate! Complete internships, participate in conferences, and acquire knowledge! Constant competition in the market and within the company is what you should expect, even if your professional skills are four times better. And to be competitive, you must have skills, both technical and soft skills, which you should keep improving throughout your life.
We need specialists with good analytical skills, flexible thinking, and well-developed communicative and organizational skills. Cognitive flexibility, the ability to accept the complex structure of the world, find the relationships between different industries, and adapt to changing conditions are highly valued. And why - because these skills can't be automated and only humans have them. That is why today's job market requires a psychologically stable professional woman, who is ready for various difficult situations.
Make a career plan
The most asked question at a job interview is, "Where do you see yourself in our company in 5 years?" Are you ready to give a clear answer? If not, then try to create a career plan. Ask yourself what you are good at, what you are not so good at, what would you like to learn and what to achieve.
A career plan will help you to acknowledge your weaknesses - if you find issues with networking, you can take digital marketing courses, if your soft skills are lame, you also can take courses or webinars. You need to keep up-to-date with the changing conditions in your field, socialize with your colleagues and people you look up to, expand your horizons, and allow yourself to dream. And if you did everything right, put away your plan and return to it after some time - that way you will see how your views on the profession and your growth have changed. Generally, these plans are needed for the same things as visualization and written practices are - to learn how to analyze thoughts and feelings and focus on your goals.
Update your knowledge
Learn to acquire new knowledge. I believe that studying just for a certificate itself is a waste of time. I have seen people with a huge amount of certificates and absolutely empty-headed. Diplomas and certificates don't define you as a professional, your fulfilled projects and cases are much more important.
You can always learn what you don't know - take short online courses, because professional knowledge and skills change almost daily. The traditional diploma will not do anymore - first, not everyone has time for such a long education, and secondly when you can apply your new knowledge and life hacks other than in real-life situations at your work? If you are not confident in your abilities, don't hesitate to ask your boss for help. The answer "I don't know how" is bad, it's more important for your employer to hear, "I will learn this in a week (month)".
And if you don't know how to do something, isn't it a reason to learn something new? Review your perception of YouTube.
Don't spread your knowledge too thin. Yes, being an expert in one subject is better than having knowledge in many ones superficially and as a result, being no expert in anything. Having versatile knowledge is good at some intellectual quizzes, but if there is a need for expert evaluation, you will hardly be able to give it. Therefore, deepen your knowledge!
Build bridges, not walls
Any business is first of all communication. If you decide to be in business, you need to think carefully, because sometimes something that may look thriving can hide little secrets and you will need a lot of time, as well as qualified help of a mentor or coach, to know all the details. Of course, those who have long been in your profession can say arrogantly, "How you couldn't see this, it is so obvious!" That is why we study - to become professionals in our field.
My opinion is that developed communication skills have never hurt anyone. Talk with your colleagues, contractors, people from related fields, and share experiences. Don't go too far with networking, though, it is better to make friends in real life - they will be more willing to cooperate with you. Be open to constructive criticism, but only from those whose opinions really matter to you.
In conclusion, I would like to say that not every woman can assume a leading position at a company. This is hard work, development of skills, well-planned communication. Unfortunately, the incompetence of employees is the big problem of our time, and the selection of job candidates is getting more thorough. Preference is given to those who have good cases and projects in their portfolio. Anyway, stop thinking that you are not good enough. We need people with healthy ambitions! If you are always lucky - give it a thought, maybe this is not luck, but the result of your smart actions?
