Women in the workplace get a raw deal.
I know it's the 21st century and all -- and we've certainly come a long way since the 1950s housewife -- but there's still a problem that needs addressing.
According to this Catalyst report, women earn $0.78 to every $1 earned by men.
Now, I might get in trouble with the feminists for this one. But for the most part, I don't think it's got anything to do with employees being sexist.
I believe it's to do with the differences in how men and women position themselves within the workplace.
Typically, men are confident. They have ideas and they execute them. They don't let emotions get in the way, they're not afraid to take risks and they'll actively seek out any opportunity that comes their way.
As women, we're nurtured to believe we should take a back seat and observe rather than take action. We tend to be more thoughtful than our male counterparts, which can often lead to us being overlooked when the promotions are being handed out.
It's no one's fault here. It's just the way we've been nurtured.
But ladies, we can change it. Here are the ways how:
1. Don't overthink stuff.
You just came up with an idea that's going boost productivity tenfold. But wait.
What if it means Bob from purchasing can't enjoy his routine 10 am coffee break?
F*ck Bob from purchasing.
Overthinking about how it will affect every single person in the office often leads to damaged creativity and not telling anyone about that amazing idea.
You have a great idea? Then do something about it.
I'm not saying you should step on anyone and everyone to get ahead. But just go with your gut instinct if you know it will improve business.
Bob will get over it.
2. Talk the talk.
Everyone works with a bull-sh*tter.
They can be extremely annoying. Everything they say is utter garbage.
Yet somehow, they get away with it. In fact, you'll usually find these are the people who everyone listens to, respects and will often go to for help.
Why is that?
Because they speak with confidence. I've learned it doesn’t matter what you say.
You could tell your boss the sky is actually made out of candy floss.
As long as you say it with complete confidence and conviction, he or she will believe it.
3. But also walk the walk.
I'm not saying you should go ahead and turn into the Billy bull-sh*tter of the office, and all problems will be solved. That would be ludicrous.
Speak with confidence, sure. But also show your employer you know what you're talking about.
That's the key that can set you apart. Use that overthinking brain of yours to your advantage.
Before you strike, think about your ideas, find the facts to back them up and execute them with complete confidence.
4. Don't be afraid to disagree.
Disagreeing with a room full of people who all agree with each other can be scary as sh*t.
But more often that not, these people are only agreeing with the boss because they think it'll score them brownie points.
Truthfully, if you know a better way or you don't agree, then say it.
You'll be far more respected for doing so than sitting quiet when you knew something wasn’t a good idea.
Even if you're shot down for what you think, it's better to be the person with an opinion.
5. Don't associate with office gossip.
Did you hear that Jess is still sleeping with Ben even though she just bought a new puppy with her fiancé?
Do you see your male employees talking about this stuff? Nope. It's because they don't care.
Sure, office gossip can be fun.
But if you become that person who's always seen discussing everyone's private lives, you'll never be taken seriously.
When it comes to ruling the workplace, you need to be taken seriously.
6. Work out your own problems.
When you've got a problem, it's only natural to go and ask your manager for help.
But your manager has his or her own job to do.
So on top of the heavy workload, he or she has to stop and help you solve a problem that could probably be fixed by a simple Google search.
Remember: Google is your best friend.
7. Keep emotions under lock and key.
There's no denying we're emotional creatures. There's nothing wrong with that.
But in the workplace, our hormones can get in the way of people taking us seriously.
If someone pisses you off, smile, nod and rise above. You're better than that.
If you're on your period, then go buy some chocolate and some ibuprofen, and suck it up.
No one wants to see you crying in the corner because your favorite pen just ran out of ink.
Oh, and avoid listening to Ed Sheeran at all costs.
8. Be proactive.
You can't make your way to the top unless you work for it. There is no shortcut to success.
It takes a lot of hard work, determination and effort to get ahead in life.
Be proactive and do more than what your task list tells you. What could you personally do to help the company move forward?
It's the people who are taking the initiative to do something who get themselves noticed.
9. Believe in yourself.
Do you deserve respect in the workplace? Yes.
That's what you need to tell yourself every day.
We need to let go of the notion that it's a bad thing to talk about our achievements, or that it's a bad thing to openly seek out a new opportunity or promotion. If you work hard at what you do, you deserve it as much as the next person.
Don't let a promotion pass you by because you didn't have the guts to stand up and say, “Hey, I deserve that.”
