Common behaviours that hinder women’s careers

It is commendable that women are still trying to stamp their feet in what used to be called a man’s world, but when you think about our present condition vis-à-vis our careers you may wonder how much progress we are really making. There is still a noticeable disparity between both genders and this is not wholly due to a kind of bias that exists but also character traits of women that hampers any reasonable progress. For things to change, these recognizable traits in some women must be abandoned and forgotten. Continue reading to know what they are.

Giving up
I don’t know if this is triggered by society’s gender prescription which labels women as emotional and weak, but I do know that whether this is the case or not, we can and should not throw in the towel at the slightest of challenges. It is time to make it unusual for women to give up easily. Haven’t you heard that derogatory statement before when a woman reacts that way – ‘she’s a woman’? – It is time to stop chickening out and staying in the game. It is crazy out there, yes, but were men the only ones wired to handle ‘crazy?’ Absolutely not! So when next something props up (because they always do) reach into your yourself and find the strength and faith to keep you going.

Networking
The place of networking should not be underestimated. In fact, it should be a priority for any woman looking to advance her career. Choosing not to network is like choosing not to have a relationship with men but expecting to get married to one. Networking exposes you to opportunities, ideas, positions and people. You never know what starting a conversation with a senior staff from your company or other companies has in store for you. There is no loss in trying, there’s only a lot to gain.

Not speaking up
Silence has never got anyone anywhere. The best it can do for you is get others wondering why you’re not contributing – giving room for speculations and impressions that may not be in your favour. Some women don’t even complain when working conditions are totally not in their best interest, they hold on to their thoughts thinking that endurance and silence is the best option. The question is, how long are you willing to endure? Speaking out your concerns may not be such a big deal as you have imagined it to be, so don’t create an illusion for yourself. Say something at meetings, seminars; make your presence felt and let people know how much potential you have. It does not show that you are proud and radically outspoken but that you’re confident and competent.

Restricted interest
Some women think that promotions and recommendations are solely based on their performance at work and so they pay more attention to being more productive at work, leaving out other vital aspects, namely: image and exposure. Your image matters more than your performance, if others do not appreciate what they see and perceive about you, getting what you want from them may not be that easy. So make yourself appreciable to others in terms of dressing, composure, attitude, etiquette, diplomacy etc. How exposed you are also determines a lot. Associate yourself with superior individuals – superior in position and intellect – and these relationships would come in useful to you. Quit the stance that hard work is all you need to advance because it won’t. Focus on all three and give them your best shot, testimonies will follow. Amen?

Do you still have any of these traits? Drop them and adopt what you really need to make significant progress in your career.