We’ve all heard the myth that women don’t support one another, but this isn’t the case. Women can be powerful allies for other women at work, and these are some simple things we can do every day to celebrate and advocate for our female coworkers. We can level the playing field and go further faster if we work together.
Up, down, and sideways networks are all possible. It is all too easy to concentrate your networking efforts on those in positions of authority. These are the people with the obvious goodies. However, there are two significant issues with this, First, despite all of the women entering the workforce, many of the top positions are still held by men. While it is important to be collegial and friendly with the men in your office, it is equally important to begin developing a network of other women. Second, if we are moving toward a more progressive world, the women at your level and below you will be the future of your organization someday. It is in your best interests for them to thrive and form bonds with you. It increases your chances of success.
Celebrate Women’s Achievements. Look for opportunities to celebrate women’s accomplishments and to point out when women are unfairly blamed for mistakes. Furthermore, men and women respond differently to recognition. Women frequently attribute our accomplishments to external factors such as “luck” and “help from others,” whereas men attribute theirs to innate qualities and skills. They own their success, while we undermine ours. When women celebrate our own accomplishments, we are often penalized for self-promotion. Better yet, get together with a group of women and agree to celebrate one another’s successes whenever possible.
Provide Women with Direct Feedback. Women frequently receive less and less constructive feedback. While men get specific recommendations for improving their performance, women hear more generic feedback that’s harder to act on, such as “Great job” or “You need more presence in meetings. Look for ways to provide input to the women you work with that will help them learn and grow. Furthermore, remember that holding back for fear of upsetting someone does not benefit her. When possible, provide feedback in real time, when it is most effective. Consider feedback a gift and solicit it frequently; you’ll benefit from it, and ideally, your female coworkers will follow your lead.
Moreover, mentor and sponsor other women. Mentorship and sponsorship are important success factors, but women are often left out. Make time and effort to mentor another woman. However, if you are still in your early career, don’t underestimate the value of your input because you may have just gone through what a woman starting out is going through. If you are more senior, go beyond providing advice and use your position to advocate for your mentee. Sponsorship is an excellent way for female leaders to give back to women who are just starting out in their careers.
