Women are unrepresented in senior management roles. The reasons for this vary - societal constraints, family responsibilities, gender stereotypes, lack of support from employers and even lack of ambition from women themselves.
However, when women look for career advancement, and find that there are inadequate career development and progression opportunities, they start looking for a new job. Organisations lose valuable skills and corporate knowledge, and face higher recruitment costs.
To improve retention of female staff, companies need to be proactive about promoting women into senior roles, and provide the support required to make this possible. The benefits are not just for women employees, but for the company. Retaining female staff gives the company a bigger pool of talent to draw from, at a time when talent shortages are common.
Research in Europe and the US shows companies with more women at senior levels are also companies that perform better organisational and financially. This poses a strong argument for retaining women and increasing gender diversity.
To assist in mentoring women into senior management positions and increase retention of female staff, organisation can adopt some or all of the following strategies.
Establish networking programs, coaching groups and active mentorships so women can discuss ideas for advancement, plan their career path, access career development and settle into new roles.
Train both male and female managers in the value of a diverse workforce and provide them with strategies to develop and promote female staff into senior roles.
Develop a succession plan to identify high performing female staff members and provide opportunities for training and growth.
Consider the number of women in senior management with the number of women employed in the organisation, and whether this number is reflective. If not, make implementing female mentorships a priority.
Ensure that junior staff members have female role models in senior positions to look up to. Encourage the senior women to support and mentor the more junior staff.
Review work/life balance initiatives, such as part time hours, flexible hours and work from home opportunities. Women's role as the primary caregiver for families is a significant barrier to advancement.
Maintain open communication. User performance reviews to allow female staff members to state their career goals. Don't make assumptions based on gender, family responsibilities or age about an employees ambitions and the career path they would choose.
Maintain communication with women on maternity leave and ask what they need to support their transition back to work.
Jumat, 29 September 2017
Rabu, 13 September 2017
10 Secrets for Women Leaders to Increase Visibility and Credibility
Being a leader must be one of the most rewarding careers you can ever do. Not only is the work interesting and challenging, but you are impacting the direction of many people and the direction of your company. You are able to see that you are making a difference in something very big.
In this report, you will learn key areas for women leaders to be aware of in order to achieve success inside organizations. This condensed report provides general trends identified from research of women and men in the workplace. As with any general trend, there are exceptions. You may not align with some of the information provide, and you are invited to read with a curious mind to see what new ideas you might explore in your own development process.
Secret #1 -- Build networks internally and externally
This is important for both men and women.
This is one area that is a derailer for many mid-level management individuals who don't take this seriously. It is important to build networks internally to develop allies and externally to increase your value to the company. You may think you don't have time, but it can actually save you time when you need to call on that ally for support on a big project with a tight deadline. The higher up you go in an organization, the more important it is for you to have strong networks. At higher levels, the emphasis of work is done more through people and your ability to effectively influence and communicate with others.
People with large networks can easily access and receive timely, useful information to help them accomplish their goals. It is best to identify individuals where there is a mutually beneficial relationship based on common goals and interests. Who are two or three people you need to develop a stronger relationship with?
Secret #2 -- Sell yourself effectively, not aggressively
One of the things I see over and over again with women is how they undervalue their achievements and they believe that their good works will be obvious. Or, they think: "this is easy and anyone with half a brain could do this." Many women do not see their key productive strengths and talents. Women need to learn how to first see their strengths and second effectively sell themselves and how their specific accomplishments connect to the business drivers.
Identify two or three of your key accomplishments. What strengths and skills can you identify from these accomplishments? See the full report for tips on how to identify your strengths and effectively sell yourself.
Secret #3 -- Select a mentor within your company
This is a very important one! Don't wait on the company to institute a program or if there is one and you're not part of it, then seek out individuals you value and begin to build a relationship. This may be more critical for a woman's success than it is for her male colleagues. In a study of individuals who made it into the senior ranks of organizations, the authors of Breaking the Glass Ceiling found that only 38% of successful men had mentors, but all of the women executives had them.
A mentor can give you advice on what you need to do next in your career to move forward, how to get visibility and recognition, and how to play the game of your particular organization. You can do this informally without necessarily asking the person to be your mentor. A mentor can encourage you to take more risks and be an advocate for you in those closed door meetings at the executive level. Who is someone you respect and might be available as an informal mentor for you? When and how will you approach this person?
Secret #4 -- Ask for the stretch assignments
Women must often explicitly signal their interest and willingness to take on unusual or challenging assignments. Otherwise, managers may assume they are not interested. You can use the work you've done in Secret #2 to identify your key strengths and pitch your 'qualifications' or readiness to take on more challenging assignments. Women can get caught in a double bind of being seen as too ambitious. So, you wouldn't necessarily want to tell your boss you want her job. But, it would be generally acceptable to voice your interest in taking on more responsibility and demonstrating your ability to do so.
You could volunteer for visible projects that require you to stretch and accomplish tasks you haven't had the opportunity to do in the past. Other ideas include: volunteer to speak on a program or at a conference, volunteer for a cross-departmental committee, go to company social events and talk with people you don't know. What action will you take in this area?
Secret #5 -- Develop strong communication skills and mastery of your emotions
Developing strong communication skills, mastery of your emotions, and the ability to effectively handle conflict is another very important area for success. Once you reach management level, your ability to effectively influence and relate to others is more important than your technical skills.
There has been enough research out now on the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EI), which is a current term for a person's ability to manage their emotions and relate effectively to others. In a 1990 study (by Hunter et al), 200 companies and organizations were examined. It was found that top performers were 127% more productive than average performers. The competency research indicated that about one-third of the difference was due to technical and cognitive (IQ) ability, while two-thirds was due to competence in the area of EI. In top leadership, 4/5th of the difference was attributed to EI competence. All this is to say that having EI competence is one of the most important determinants of your success, and especially so if you are in leadership.
Secret #6 --Learn the rules of the game of business and how to play for success
Business is still played by the rules of team sports. The games we play as girls and boys influence how we 'play' at work. Organizations are still strongly influenced by the male culture. So, in order for women to be effective in this arena, they will need to visibly see the rules of the game and understand how to maneuver within that framework.
Growing up, girls learn dependence and boys learn independence. Competition is one of the key principles in the game of business where winning is all important. Even if you grew up playing with boys, those experiences are minor in comparison to the influence of social norms. Growing up, girls learn how to be competent interpersonally and develop and sustain relationships. Boys, on the other hand, learn how to subordinate relationships to aggressiveness, competition, and winning.
Research shows that behaving like a man will backfire. Women have a narrower band of acceptable behavior. The one important piece to remember is that for most men, business is a game. If you understand that it's not personal, you will be able to choose your strategies and approaches wisely to your success.
Secret #7 -- Know what it takes to successfully transition each leadership passage
In the book, The Leadership Pipeline, by Charam, Drotter & Noel, the authors identify six passages which require a different focus and attention to navigate successfully through the passage. The six passages are 1) from Manage Self to Manage Others, 2) Manage Managers, 3) Functional Manager, 4) Business Manager, 5) Group Manager, 6) Enterprise Manager (CEO). Not only is understanding this critical for your success in progressing upward, but it is vital for you to understand how to focus the development for those under your span of control. The skills, time application, and work values are different for each passage and there are signs of possible derailment at each turn. For example, passage number 4 from Functional Manager to Business Manager requires an ability to deliver inspired communication, assemble a strong team, grasp how the company makes money, and develop strong leadership at multiple below you.
Secret #8 -- Know and manage your image
You will want to manage how you are perceived. Some questions to ask yourself are: How do people perceive you in your organization? What kind of reputation have you established? What image are you portraying through your dress?
As a leader it is more important to be respected than liked. You are called upon to make tough decisions that everyone will not necessarily like. This is another difference in the male and female culture that can create tension. As young girls we are taught to get along and being liked is important.
A word about business attire. Make sure your business attire is tasteful but does not draw more attention to your sexuality, such as tight skirts, sweaters, low cut blouses, or frilly clothing. The way you dress determines the overall message you send. If your makeup, hairstyle, or clothing stands out, then what you are saying in an important conversation will be secondary. The general rule of thumb to follow is to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Notice what successful women at the top of your organization are wearing and adapt to that style. You can still have your own style, just remember the unspoken dress code is akin to the team uniform and is another 'test' of how well you fit into the team.
Secret #9 -- Hire an experienced coach
Hire a coach who's familiar with 360 tools and other personality and work style assessments so you get the vital objective feedback and how to use it into your development plan.
If you have never worked with a professional coach, you might consider doing a little research and contacting some experienced coaches for a sample coaching session. Many coaches offer a free 45-minute coaching session so you get to know them and what to expect in the coaching process with them. Working with an experienced coach can expedite your development and save you a lot of hard lessons.
Secret #10 Know your long-term goals, maintain work/life balance, and support other women
Be clear about your long-term goals and how you will maintain the work/life balance that's right for you. If your goal is to reach the upper executive levels, then find out what commitment it will take, how it will impact your personal life, and what support systems you will need to put in place. There are many ways to be in leadership and have a powerful impact. You may decide that you enjoy being at a mid-level management position with the ability to influence many people and groups within the organization. Or, if you are better suited to be a senior level individual contributor such as VP of Investor Relations, then go for that.
It's important for your own happiness and satisfaction in life that you identify your key productive skills, your long-term goals, and your personal quality of life to determine the best career path for you.
In a Catalyst study with interviews of executive women, women pointed out that you cannot have it all. You have to decide the priorities for your life and make choices. If you are married, it is important to have a supportive spouse. Many women pay for hired help to support childcare, home maintenance, etc. Women are so skilled at multi-tasking and handling many things for themselves and others in their lives that they often neglect to take care of themselves. You will need to be proactive in doing things to take care of yourself.
Support other women who are coming up through the ranks to create networks of collective support for all women. This is key to shifting the culture to be more in balance between masculine and feminine ways of approaching business.
In this report, you will learn key areas for women leaders to be aware of in order to achieve success inside organizations. This condensed report provides general trends identified from research of women and men in the workplace. As with any general trend, there are exceptions. You may not align with some of the information provide, and you are invited to read with a curious mind to see what new ideas you might explore in your own development process.
Secret #1 -- Build networks internally and externally
This is important for both men and women.
This is one area that is a derailer for many mid-level management individuals who don't take this seriously. It is important to build networks internally to develop allies and externally to increase your value to the company. You may think you don't have time, but it can actually save you time when you need to call on that ally for support on a big project with a tight deadline. The higher up you go in an organization, the more important it is for you to have strong networks. At higher levels, the emphasis of work is done more through people and your ability to effectively influence and communicate with others.
People with large networks can easily access and receive timely, useful information to help them accomplish their goals. It is best to identify individuals where there is a mutually beneficial relationship based on common goals and interests. Who are two or three people you need to develop a stronger relationship with?
Secret #2 -- Sell yourself effectively, not aggressively
One of the things I see over and over again with women is how they undervalue their achievements and they believe that their good works will be obvious. Or, they think: "this is easy and anyone with half a brain could do this." Many women do not see their key productive strengths and talents. Women need to learn how to first see their strengths and second effectively sell themselves and how their specific accomplishments connect to the business drivers.
Identify two or three of your key accomplishments. What strengths and skills can you identify from these accomplishments? See the full report for tips on how to identify your strengths and effectively sell yourself.
Secret #3 -- Select a mentor within your company
This is a very important one! Don't wait on the company to institute a program or if there is one and you're not part of it, then seek out individuals you value and begin to build a relationship. This may be more critical for a woman's success than it is for her male colleagues. In a study of individuals who made it into the senior ranks of organizations, the authors of Breaking the Glass Ceiling found that only 38% of successful men had mentors, but all of the women executives had them.
A mentor can give you advice on what you need to do next in your career to move forward, how to get visibility and recognition, and how to play the game of your particular organization. You can do this informally without necessarily asking the person to be your mentor. A mentor can encourage you to take more risks and be an advocate for you in those closed door meetings at the executive level. Who is someone you respect and might be available as an informal mentor for you? When and how will you approach this person?
Secret #4 -- Ask for the stretch assignments
Women must often explicitly signal their interest and willingness to take on unusual or challenging assignments. Otherwise, managers may assume they are not interested. You can use the work you've done in Secret #2 to identify your key strengths and pitch your 'qualifications' or readiness to take on more challenging assignments. Women can get caught in a double bind of being seen as too ambitious. So, you wouldn't necessarily want to tell your boss you want her job. But, it would be generally acceptable to voice your interest in taking on more responsibility and demonstrating your ability to do so.
You could volunteer for visible projects that require you to stretch and accomplish tasks you haven't had the opportunity to do in the past. Other ideas include: volunteer to speak on a program or at a conference, volunteer for a cross-departmental committee, go to company social events and talk with people you don't know. What action will you take in this area?
Secret #5 -- Develop strong communication skills and mastery of your emotions
Developing strong communication skills, mastery of your emotions, and the ability to effectively handle conflict is another very important area for success. Once you reach management level, your ability to effectively influence and relate to others is more important than your technical skills.
There has been enough research out now on the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EI), which is a current term for a person's ability to manage their emotions and relate effectively to others. In a 1990 study (by Hunter et al), 200 companies and organizations were examined. It was found that top performers were 127% more productive than average performers. The competency research indicated that about one-third of the difference was due to technical and cognitive (IQ) ability, while two-thirds was due to competence in the area of EI. In top leadership, 4/5th of the difference was attributed to EI competence. All this is to say that having EI competence is one of the most important determinants of your success, and especially so if you are in leadership.
Secret #6 --Learn the rules of the game of business and how to play for success
Business is still played by the rules of team sports. The games we play as girls and boys influence how we 'play' at work. Organizations are still strongly influenced by the male culture. So, in order for women to be effective in this arena, they will need to visibly see the rules of the game and understand how to maneuver within that framework.
Growing up, girls learn dependence and boys learn independence. Competition is one of the key principles in the game of business where winning is all important. Even if you grew up playing with boys, those experiences are minor in comparison to the influence of social norms. Growing up, girls learn how to be competent interpersonally and develop and sustain relationships. Boys, on the other hand, learn how to subordinate relationships to aggressiveness, competition, and winning.
Research shows that behaving like a man will backfire. Women have a narrower band of acceptable behavior. The one important piece to remember is that for most men, business is a game. If you understand that it's not personal, you will be able to choose your strategies and approaches wisely to your success.
Secret #7 -- Know what it takes to successfully transition each leadership passage
In the book, The Leadership Pipeline, by Charam, Drotter & Noel, the authors identify six passages which require a different focus and attention to navigate successfully through the passage. The six passages are 1) from Manage Self to Manage Others, 2) Manage Managers, 3) Functional Manager, 4) Business Manager, 5) Group Manager, 6) Enterprise Manager (CEO). Not only is understanding this critical for your success in progressing upward, but it is vital for you to understand how to focus the development for those under your span of control. The skills, time application, and work values are different for each passage and there are signs of possible derailment at each turn. For example, passage number 4 from Functional Manager to Business Manager requires an ability to deliver inspired communication, assemble a strong team, grasp how the company makes money, and develop strong leadership at multiple below you.
Secret #8 -- Know and manage your image
You will want to manage how you are perceived. Some questions to ask yourself are: How do people perceive you in your organization? What kind of reputation have you established? What image are you portraying through your dress?
As a leader it is more important to be respected than liked. You are called upon to make tough decisions that everyone will not necessarily like. This is another difference in the male and female culture that can create tension. As young girls we are taught to get along and being liked is important.
A word about business attire. Make sure your business attire is tasteful but does not draw more attention to your sexuality, such as tight skirts, sweaters, low cut blouses, or frilly clothing. The way you dress determines the overall message you send. If your makeup, hairstyle, or clothing stands out, then what you are saying in an important conversation will be secondary. The general rule of thumb to follow is to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Notice what successful women at the top of your organization are wearing and adapt to that style. You can still have your own style, just remember the unspoken dress code is akin to the team uniform and is another 'test' of how well you fit into the team.
Secret #9 -- Hire an experienced coach
Hire a coach who's familiar with 360 tools and other personality and work style assessments so you get the vital objective feedback and how to use it into your development plan.
If you have never worked with a professional coach, you might consider doing a little research and contacting some experienced coaches for a sample coaching session. Many coaches offer a free 45-minute coaching session so you get to know them and what to expect in the coaching process with them. Working with an experienced coach can expedite your development and save you a lot of hard lessons.
Secret #10 Know your long-term goals, maintain work/life balance, and support other women
Be clear about your long-term goals and how you will maintain the work/life balance that's right for you. If your goal is to reach the upper executive levels, then find out what commitment it will take, how it will impact your personal life, and what support systems you will need to put in place. There are many ways to be in leadership and have a powerful impact. You may decide that you enjoy being at a mid-level management position with the ability to influence many people and groups within the organization. Or, if you are better suited to be a senior level individual contributor such as VP of Investor Relations, then go for that.
It's important for your own happiness and satisfaction in life that you identify your key productive skills, your long-term goals, and your personal quality of life to determine the best career path for you.
In a Catalyst study with interviews of executive women, women pointed out that you cannot have it all. You have to decide the priorities for your life and make choices. If you are married, it is important to have a supportive spouse. Many women pay for hired help to support childcare, home maintenance, etc. Women are so skilled at multi-tasking and handling many things for themselves and others in their lives that they often neglect to take care of themselves. You will need to be proactive in doing things to take care of yourself.
Support other women who are coming up through the ranks to create networks of collective support for all women. This is key to shifting the culture to be more in balance between masculine and feminine ways of approaching business.
Minggu, 27 Agustus 2017
Boxing For Women - How to Pursue This Sport As a Woman
The sport of boxing for women has been around for much longer than most realize. Boxing for women and how to pursue this sport as a woman is very much the same as for a man. Womens boxing was first introduced on the world stage as a demonstration event in the Summer Olympic Games in 1904. Unfortunately for women who were interested in this sport it never really gained any footing and was even banned by most nations for several decades.
Then in 1988 the Swedish Amateur Boxing Association gave its first womens match. However, in the 1970's here in the U.S. a female boxer by the name of Cathy "Cat" Davis had started her career. She was able to have several of her matches televised and even made the cover of Ring Magazine.However a scandal broke out with the accusation of her matches being fixed and this alone was almost enough to kill the sport.
With the short history of women boxing understood you may be wondering how you might start a career in women boxing. There are several steps that must be followed if you desire to be successful. The very first thing that must be accomplished is you must get into shape. This will require many hours of running, weight lifting, and other exercises that will enhance endurance. You must be able to develop the muscles required to be able to box. You will also need to create the ability to move around the ring and most importantly not get hit.
Once these basic skills have been achieved then it is time to practice. You may wish to enroll in a boxing class at your local gym or if you are able you can hire your very own private coach and trainer. Either way you will need to have the opportunity to spar with other boxers, either male or female, to gain the needed ring experience. After performing well in this manner it will be time to move up.
Moving up in the boxing game usually will require that you find local opponents. If you are successful in these local fights then you might begin to gather some recognition and therefore you name will be getting known. Then and only then will you have the opportunity to begin fighting on the national stage. After competing at this level you then will have the real chance of moving on to the international stage. This is where the real money can be found.
Then in 1988 the Swedish Amateur Boxing Association gave its first womens match. However, in the 1970's here in the U.S. a female boxer by the name of Cathy "Cat" Davis had started her career. She was able to have several of her matches televised and even made the cover of Ring Magazine.However a scandal broke out with the accusation of her matches being fixed and this alone was almost enough to kill the sport.
With the short history of women boxing understood you may be wondering how you might start a career in women boxing. There are several steps that must be followed if you desire to be successful. The very first thing that must be accomplished is you must get into shape. This will require many hours of running, weight lifting, and other exercises that will enhance endurance. You must be able to develop the muscles required to be able to box. You will also need to create the ability to move around the ring and most importantly not get hit.
Once these basic skills have been achieved then it is time to practice. You may wish to enroll in a boxing class at your local gym or if you are able you can hire your very own private coach and trainer. Either way you will need to have the opportunity to spar with other boxers, either male or female, to gain the needed ring experience. After performing well in this manner it will be time to move up.
Moving up in the boxing game usually will require that you find local opponents. If you are successful in these local fights then you might begin to gather some recognition and therefore you name will be getting known. Then and only then will you have the opportunity to begin fighting on the national stage. After competing at this level you then will have the real chance of moving on to the international stage. This is where the real money can be found.
Selasa, 15 Agustus 2017
Time For Jumping Corporate Ship? More Women Becoming Entrepreneurs, and Happy About It
Looks like some true career shape shifting is definitely underway by more and more women who are 1) just starting their careers, 2) already in the midst of corporate careers, and 3) who are moving into retirement and starting their own successful businesses.
Still too often faced with unequal pay and related discrimination, women are opting out of the workforce in increasing numbers, says a recent report by The Nation. Apparently, between 1993 and 2006, the number of college-educated women in the workforce fell by a tenth of a percent a year, and by 2008, the workforce had 1.64 million less college-educated women than it should have, if women had not been leaving at a significant pace.
These numbers, as distressing as they may seem, feel right. I left a corporate journalism career (after working for various publications) years ago, tired of discrimination, and deciding I would be better off doing my own research, writing, and self-publishing my own articles and books.
Recently sharing this experience with a young woman who was thinking about leaving her current job, as we talked over lunch about the old boy network, I advised, "Develop your own niche business and you'll be happier and more successful."
Another friend, after recently experiencing job loss, confided she is not going to look for any more "jobs," but plans to set up her own sales company. She received my blessings, too; I know they will both succeed because they are skilled, smart, motivated, and VERY sick and tired of jousting at work with white men (young and old) who work less productively, but often appear to have it easier getting raises and climbing the corporate ladder.
Sure, some change has arrived as the Women's Movement slowly progresses. But this march too often follows the beat of a tired drummer, and change does not happen fast enough. Hence, many women are - as civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer once put it - "sick and tired of being sick and tired," reporting they don't appreciate the sex role stereotyping that still goes on, along with frequent lack of opportunity, poor mentoring, glass ceilings and other issues that still have not disappeared, even with support of The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Wasn't the workplace support to become more open with possibilities for women and others? More fair?
(If you never heard her name, Mrs. Hamer, was a heroic African American social activist in rural Mississippi in the mid 1950s and 1960s, was a devout civil rights leader who bravely brought the 1964 National Democratic Party's convention to its knees as she and Democrat colleagues tried to take Mississippi's official delegate seats for themselves.These party members were sick and tired of being "represented" by white, male Dixiecrats, a short-lived segregationist party.)
About my two friends...
Undoubtedly, if they follow through with their current plans to leave existing careers and go into business for themselves, they will surely have more money and end up with careers they can take into retirement. They will not have a glass ceiling staring them in their faces, and they will not be spending time with office politics or be the subjects of discrimination, hostility, bullying and stereotyping.
They will not have to face the possibility of upcoming reproductive rights battles, at least directly. (Remember those days when you couldn't get a job unless you promised not to get pregnant? Or when you could not get a job because you had a child? Will Arizona really succeed in requiring that women tell their employers why they are asking for birth control?)
Apart from obvious concerns, such as the inherent disparity in women's pay and the general brain drain of educated women dropping out of the workforce, I wonder if anyone is tracking how many women are not so much leaving the workforce as reinventing it, like my two friends.
It is not a surprised that women absorb enormous costs when they work outside of the home, but raises are not being handed out generously, these days, and the cost of daycare only goes up, so it is practically silly NOT to leave the workforce under these conditions, observes Cedar Burnett, writing for Salon.
"If you're working long hours for less pay than your husband, and your entire monetary contribution is sucked up into preschool, employment outside-the-home seems like an exercise in self-flagellation rather than actual need."
Once these college-educated women leave the workforce, what are they doing? Some are starting micro businesses--selling jewelry, make-up, food supplements, eBooks, stuff on eBay or they are becoming personal trainers, freelance editors, offering massage or other related health-care services. Well-written blogs are often the driving force behind these new opportunities.
Burnett reports that "...legally, or not-so-legally, women are increasingly working 10-40 hours a week outside the traditional workforce model - besides raising their children. Are labor statistics tracking this? At least for the cash-economy jobs, almost certainly not."
This entrepreneurial model will only gain in popularity as younger women start having their babies and as women get fed up and move out of corporations-and as more and more women retire. Unable to find meaningful, well-paying part-time work, educated women "raised to defy tradition" should gravitate toward alternative self-employment.
Still too often faced with unequal pay and related discrimination, women are opting out of the workforce in increasing numbers, says a recent report by The Nation. Apparently, between 1993 and 2006, the number of college-educated women in the workforce fell by a tenth of a percent a year, and by 2008, the workforce had 1.64 million less college-educated women than it should have, if women had not been leaving at a significant pace.
These numbers, as distressing as they may seem, feel right. I left a corporate journalism career (after working for various publications) years ago, tired of discrimination, and deciding I would be better off doing my own research, writing, and self-publishing my own articles and books.
Recently sharing this experience with a young woman who was thinking about leaving her current job, as we talked over lunch about the old boy network, I advised, "Develop your own niche business and you'll be happier and more successful."
Another friend, after recently experiencing job loss, confided she is not going to look for any more "jobs," but plans to set up her own sales company. She received my blessings, too; I know they will both succeed because they are skilled, smart, motivated, and VERY sick and tired of jousting at work with white men (young and old) who work less productively, but often appear to have it easier getting raises and climbing the corporate ladder.
Sure, some change has arrived as the Women's Movement slowly progresses. But this march too often follows the beat of a tired drummer, and change does not happen fast enough. Hence, many women are - as civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer once put it - "sick and tired of being sick and tired," reporting they don't appreciate the sex role stereotyping that still goes on, along with frequent lack of opportunity, poor mentoring, glass ceilings and other issues that still have not disappeared, even with support of The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Wasn't the workplace support to become more open with possibilities for women and others? More fair?
(If you never heard her name, Mrs. Hamer, was a heroic African American social activist in rural Mississippi in the mid 1950s and 1960s, was a devout civil rights leader who bravely brought the 1964 National Democratic Party's convention to its knees as she and Democrat colleagues tried to take Mississippi's official delegate seats for themselves.These party members were sick and tired of being "represented" by white, male Dixiecrats, a short-lived segregationist party.)
About my two friends...
Undoubtedly, if they follow through with their current plans to leave existing careers and go into business for themselves, they will surely have more money and end up with careers they can take into retirement. They will not have a glass ceiling staring them in their faces, and they will not be spending time with office politics or be the subjects of discrimination, hostility, bullying and stereotyping.
They will not have to face the possibility of upcoming reproductive rights battles, at least directly. (Remember those days when you couldn't get a job unless you promised not to get pregnant? Or when you could not get a job because you had a child? Will Arizona really succeed in requiring that women tell their employers why they are asking for birth control?)
Apart from obvious concerns, such as the inherent disparity in women's pay and the general brain drain of educated women dropping out of the workforce, I wonder if anyone is tracking how many women are not so much leaving the workforce as reinventing it, like my two friends.
It is not a surprised that women absorb enormous costs when they work outside of the home, but raises are not being handed out generously, these days, and the cost of daycare only goes up, so it is practically silly NOT to leave the workforce under these conditions, observes Cedar Burnett, writing for Salon.
"If you're working long hours for less pay than your husband, and your entire monetary contribution is sucked up into preschool, employment outside-the-home seems like an exercise in self-flagellation rather than actual need."
Once these college-educated women leave the workforce, what are they doing? Some are starting micro businesses--selling jewelry, make-up, food supplements, eBooks, stuff on eBay or they are becoming personal trainers, freelance editors, offering massage or other related health-care services. Well-written blogs are often the driving force behind these new opportunities.
Burnett reports that "...legally, or not-so-legally, women are increasingly working 10-40 hours a week outside the traditional workforce model - besides raising their children. Are labor statistics tracking this? At least for the cash-economy jobs, almost certainly not."
This entrepreneurial model will only gain in popularity as younger women start having their babies and as women get fed up and move out of corporations-and as more and more women retire. Unable to find meaningful, well-paying part-time work, educated women "raised to defy tradition" should gravitate toward alternative self-employment.
Senin, 24 Juli 2017
How to Build a Basic Wardrobe of Work Clothes For Women
If you're just entering the work force, returning to it, or starting a high-powered new job, it's a great time to check out the latest styles in work clothes for women. Gone are the days when womens pant suits were required every day -- though they're still important!
Now, there is more flexibility with womens clothes in the workplace, but it's still important to look polished and professional. Different workplaces also have different requirements for womens clothes.
Hopefully during your first interviews or visits to your new workplace, you got a feel for the appropriate choices of work clothes for women. Use that as a guide, but beyond that, here are some staples of womens clothes you should keep in your work wardrobe.
Womens pant suits: Womens pant suits aren't required in many American workplaces any more, but if you're in a management position, you will likely need at least one. Womens pant suits are just as accepted as more formal skirt suits these days, but you still need to choose carefully. Pick a classic cut, color, and fabric for your womens pant suits so you won't need to replace them often.
Skirts and pants: For times when you don't feel like wearing womens pant suits, skirt and pants separates are also, of course, appropriate work clothes for women. Again, it's best to pick basic colors -- black, navy blue, and maybe khaki. This way, you can change outfits by just changing your tops, and you won't need to buy as many separates.
Jackets: If you've invested in a couple of womens pant suits, you can take the jacket from these to do double duty over matching, but separate, womens clothes. If you've opted to skip the womens pant suits, though, again for jackets follow the same rules as skirts and pants -- pick basic colors that will match many tops.
Button-down shirts and blouses: Here is where work clothes for women get more flexible. If the rest of your outfit is modest, you can add a splash of color or some trendy womens clothes details in your tops.
Just make sure you pick womens clothes that are appropriate for day time -- don't get too trendy. Remember, these are work clothes for women, and if you're going out afterwards, you can always change.
Accessories: Work clothes for women don't have to be boring. Try buying some colorful scarves, or inexpensive accessories like purses and jewelry, to make your outfits more personal. This is the most affordable way to stretch your wardrobe before you buy more womens clothes.
Building a new wardrobe of work clothes for women, especially if you're just starting out in your career, can be daunting. It can also be expensive! Luckily there are a number of online womens clothes resources where you can find affordable womens pant suits, dresses, jackets, and more.
One option you should definitely check out for affordable trendy fashions is the women's clothing brand HeartSoul. The brand offers selections from the trendier side of womens clothes, including many different kinds of work clothes for women that are young, fresh, and most importantly, affordable. Check out the web site for ideas on everything from pants to accessories.
Now, there is more flexibility with womens clothes in the workplace, but it's still important to look polished and professional. Different workplaces also have different requirements for womens clothes.
Hopefully during your first interviews or visits to your new workplace, you got a feel for the appropriate choices of work clothes for women. Use that as a guide, but beyond that, here are some staples of womens clothes you should keep in your work wardrobe.
Womens pant suits: Womens pant suits aren't required in many American workplaces any more, but if you're in a management position, you will likely need at least one. Womens pant suits are just as accepted as more formal skirt suits these days, but you still need to choose carefully. Pick a classic cut, color, and fabric for your womens pant suits so you won't need to replace them often.
Skirts and pants: For times when you don't feel like wearing womens pant suits, skirt and pants separates are also, of course, appropriate work clothes for women. Again, it's best to pick basic colors -- black, navy blue, and maybe khaki. This way, you can change outfits by just changing your tops, and you won't need to buy as many separates.
Jackets: If you've invested in a couple of womens pant suits, you can take the jacket from these to do double duty over matching, but separate, womens clothes. If you've opted to skip the womens pant suits, though, again for jackets follow the same rules as skirts and pants -- pick basic colors that will match many tops.
Button-down shirts and blouses: Here is where work clothes for women get more flexible. If the rest of your outfit is modest, you can add a splash of color or some trendy womens clothes details in your tops.
Just make sure you pick womens clothes that are appropriate for day time -- don't get too trendy. Remember, these are work clothes for women, and if you're going out afterwards, you can always change.
Accessories: Work clothes for women don't have to be boring. Try buying some colorful scarves, or inexpensive accessories like purses and jewelry, to make your outfits more personal. This is the most affordable way to stretch your wardrobe before you buy more womens clothes.
Building a new wardrobe of work clothes for women, especially if you're just starting out in your career, can be daunting. It can also be expensive! Luckily there are a number of online womens clothes resources where you can find affordable womens pant suits, dresses, jackets, and more.
One option you should definitely check out for affordable trendy fashions is the women's clothing brand HeartSoul. The brand offers selections from the trendier side of womens clothes, including many different kinds of work clothes for women that are young, fresh, and most importantly, affordable. Check out the web site for ideas on everything from pants to accessories.
Senin, 03 Juli 2017
Baby Boomer Women and The Four Keys to Weight Loss
As a Baby Boomer woman I understand that over the years the demands of career, family, and daily life too often mean that our health and wellness, our time to take care of ourselves, can get lost in the shuffle. It is so easy to put off doing things for ourselves by saying, "I don't have time for that right now", or "I'll get around to that sometime." Whether you have had trouble losing the extra weight and keeping it off with dieting or if weight has just crept up on you the dilemma is the same. How do we get ourselves to make the decision and the commitment to be healthier and finally achieve success with our healthy goals?
When we were younger our metabolism was likely higher than it is now. We didn't put on weight as quickly and could lose weight with less effort. When we were younger we could get away with sketchy eating habits. However, if you are like most Baby Boomer women you are carrying around excess weight. Those extra pounds may mean a future with decreasing physical ability, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and possibly an earlier death. That is no way to spend the rest of your life. As you look back on your life I am sure you have achieved some goals. What if you could create a future where good health is your #1 goal? What would need to happen for you to get there? Here are four keys to achieving your goal:
1) Figure out what you want. How do you want to live the rest of your life? Get specific and clear. Do you want to be more physically fit? Do you want more energy and independence for as long as possible? How much weight do you want to lose? What if you could have what you want? I believe you can.
2) Make a list of all that you get as a result of getting to your goal. This will motivate and entice you along your journey. What will losing the weight and being more fit allow you to do, have, and be that is important to you?
3) Make the decision to have what you want and commit to doing what it takes. Make the decision to do it now, not later. You are ultimately in charge of your weight and your health. It is time to make the time. Don't put your good health off any longer. Imagine your life if you don't make your health a priority.
4) Take action. There are many paths to health and weight loss. Whether it is with a weight loss center, online support, a weight loss coach, or with friends, find what works best for you. Decide what small steps you will take along the way with your healthy goal continually in mind.
Think of yourself as a Baby Boomer Boomerang! With sustained effort you keep coming back to your goal until you achieve your healthy, ideal body once and for all. Be persistent, committed, and consistent. It will be worth it. You can give yourself the gift of looking back over your life knowing you did what it took. You made time for yourself, achieved better health, and became a role model for others to follow. Go on - Baby Boomer Women - show us how it's done!
When we were younger our metabolism was likely higher than it is now. We didn't put on weight as quickly and could lose weight with less effort. When we were younger we could get away with sketchy eating habits. However, if you are like most Baby Boomer women you are carrying around excess weight. Those extra pounds may mean a future with decreasing physical ability, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and possibly an earlier death. That is no way to spend the rest of your life. As you look back on your life I am sure you have achieved some goals. What if you could create a future where good health is your #1 goal? What would need to happen for you to get there? Here are four keys to achieving your goal:
1) Figure out what you want. How do you want to live the rest of your life? Get specific and clear. Do you want to be more physically fit? Do you want more energy and independence for as long as possible? How much weight do you want to lose? What if you could have what you want? I believe you can.
2) Make a list of all that you get as a result of getting to your goal. This will motivate and entice you along your journey. What will losing the weight and being more fit allow you to do, have, and be that is important to you?
3) Make the decision to have what you want and commit to doing what it takes. Make the decision to do it now, not later. You are ultimately in charge of your weight and your health. It is time to make the time. Don't put your good health off any longer. Imagine your life if you don't make your health a priority.
4) Take action. There are many paths to health and weight loss. Whether it is with a weight loss center, online support, a weight loss coach, or with friends, find what works best for you. Decide what small steps you will take along the way with your healthy goal continually in mind.
Think of yourself as a Baby Boomer Boomerang! With sustained effort you keep coming back to your goal until you achieve your healthy, ideal body once and for all. Be persistent, committed, and consistent. It will be worth it. You can give yourself the gift of looking back over your life knowing you did what it took. You made time for yourself, achieved better health, and became a role model for others to follow. Go on - Baby Boomer Women - show us how it's done!
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)