Empowering women in the workplace

Work is A Game!

Women have not been taught that work is like playing a game of chess; it requires strategy and calculated moves. Instead, we often see work as an extension of ourselves and become too emotionally involved when decisions are made and we end up on the losing side.{{more}}

There are a few costly mistakes that women on a whole make in the workplace.

1. Women work hard, not smart. The key to being successful in the workplace is to be a smart worker not a hard worker. Smart workers know how to balance their time; they do not take pride in working long hours every day without lunch or a break. There are women who feel they need to sacrifice themselves just to say they are working and then complain about how hard they work and that they have no help. If you are doing that, stop it! This behavior is a sign that you are not good at delegating, building relationships, being an effective leader nor are you able to manage your time effectively.

2. Failing to build strategic relationships. No one makes it on their own and to be successful, alliances must be made with both men and women. It’s difficult sometimes to build professional relationships with the opposite sex in the workplace because the male/female dynamics in the Caribbean can be problematic. Frequently the conversation eventually becomes a bit too intimate or the relationship is a source of office gossip even if nothing is happening. Advice to women interested in moving up, dress appropriately, censor your conversation when interacting with men and do not discuss your personal matters. Conduct yourself in a manner that says business; have a third party present if you feel uncomfortable meeting with a male; and ignore the gossip if you’ve done all the above.

3. Women want mind readers. When playing a game, each person wants to win, but in the game of work, we help others win and wait for someone to read our minds to know that we want to win as well. We hope for the right time and the right person to come along and recognize us for a job well done or give us a promotion; when no one helps we get upset. Enough of that! Set your goal and be determined. This is the time to create your own destiny. Don’t be afraid if no woman has done what you want to do; you could be the first, be your own advocate and go after what you want. Do not be deterred by the many detractors that you will meet. Go and get what belongs to you.

•Karen Hinds works with companies and professionals to develop their competitive edge through effective communications, image management and customer service. Send comments and suggestions to Karen@KarenSpeaks.com