Given that March is National Women’s History Month, it is a great opportunity to discuss women helping women. As a woman who is also a business owner, I want to mention how COVID has changed my own views on the subject of helping women in the workplace. Prior to the pandemic, I would have complained about a jealous boss who tried to push me out of a job ten days before my wedding. I would have proclaimed that women are territorial and bossy and that they may be the first to backstab you while you are trying to advance your career. The truth is that the pandemic gave me an opportunity to meet women at all career levels. From this, I learned the greatest lesson of all; authentic empathy and support can almost guarantee success.
Why be empathetic and supportive?
During the past year, the pandemic brought us mask mandates, job insecurity, social distancing, zoom burnout, anxiety, depression and housemate fatigue. It was enough to drive anyone crazy. You may have had a family to support or relatives you were worried about. In addition, you became your children’s teacher and were unable to focus during ‘office hours’ with limited home internet bandwidth. Due to the COVID downturn, your position may have become ‘redundant’ and you may have been replaced by three overworked entry level employees. You can probably forget about that promotion you had your eye on.
Now put yourself in the shoes of a female manager in your organization. Does she have the bandwidth to be as hands-on as you’d like her to be? Can she help you navigate the rough terrain so that one day you too can replicate her success? Probably not. That is why the current climate provides a unique opportunity for women to assist, to mentor, and to empower each other. You can start by using these four simple words: “How can I help?”
This is an important step because organizations are created to solve problems. No matter where you work or what industry you are in, your job is to anticipate, identify, and prevent problems while creating solutions. The more problems you solve, the stronger your professional track record will be. So go out and help your female colleagues any way you can. What you learn in the process will make you more well-rounded and better positioned to excel in your own career.
The following article may provide further insight on this topic:
All of us here at Total Rebrand wish you the best in your future endeavors. Please remember to periodically check our websites for updates, new tools, and advice in helping you find the best job that will maximize both your wealth as well as your health. Happy job hunting!