How to become successful in the men's business, how to stop being afraid of sidelong glances and start acting on a par with other professionals - such questions are asked by any company that has crossed the threshold, where women only act as a secretary. We talked with a girl who knows firsthand what a male business is and found out what, in addition to high self-esteem and nerves of steel, a woman should have when she decides to build a career in the IT sphere, a traditionally male field.
Anastasia Zhbanova, press secretary of the social network "Odnoklassniki"
There are indeed much more men in the IT business, and the competition is more pronounced. This is partly due to the fact that technology and IT are developing very dynamically.
Usually (but not necessarily) guys are in charge here, and often very talented and ambitious, which should be noted. But still, it seems to me that there is no need to compete with men, just as with the opposite sex. To take into account the strengths and weaknesses - yes, to work a lot and to be ahead - of course, to compete - probably not.
Both men and women have their own "cards up their sleeves", the main thing is to use them correctly and at the right time. Therefore, you need to approach such work with stoic calmness and, definitely, without the desire to tear any member of the opposite sex to shreds. Again, this is just my opinion and perhaps the men will scoff at this comment.
As for the rules, during my work I really managed to formulate several points that help me, and I'm sure they will help any girl who dreams of achieving success.
- Don't show strength. Women's strength is not in pressure, rigidity and screaming, but in the ability to achieve results using more flexible methods. In some cases to remain silent, in some to praise, sometime to yield.
- Emotions have no place at work. Girls often react much more emotionally to what is happening. But difficulties in your personal life, a bad start to the day, or a fight with your mom shouldn't affect how you behave at work. Guaranteed: Show your tears once, there will be no second chance to make you be taken seriously.
- Be open to communication. Think of new contacts at work, including with competitors, not as a need to repel an attack, but as an opportunity to learn something new and expand your competence.
- Don't compare yourself to others. Every second person compares me with a competitor. What does this lead to? A healthy desire to work is good, the constant need to outperform a competitor is weakness. Do it differently, take into account the experiences of others and create your own path.
- Get to know people better before starting to interact closely. With someone it is easier to work softly and without pressure, with someone it is better to work clearly and to the point. The advice is general, it applies to everyone: both men and women, but it will always be relevant. Observe how this or that person behaves with other people, and you will understand how you better build communication.
- Remember you are a woman. I have seen many examples of how a woman boss becomes, as they say, "a man in a skirt." And I do not know of cases when this is good. On the other hand, I saw beautiful harmonious female leaders. I have several examples of this in my company. In our time and in our business, everything is decided by your abilities, decision-making ability and experience. You may be the youngest of all, a fragile girl with a pleasant appearance, but understanding how to achieve a goal is much better than hundreds of bearded colleagues. You should not show your masculinity in order to prove something to someone.
- Keep your distance. Recently I read in a men's magazine about typical examples of girls' behavior at work. It described the most interesting types of those who are looking for a future husband or trying to become "their boyfriend." I advise you to get out of the picture and follow your plan. At the same time, if you have ambitious and far-reaching plans, work should not be perceived as a place where you are looking for friends. Work is work, personal life is different. It's cool when it turns out to be combined, but it happens very rarely;
- Do your job well and efficiently. The devil is in the details, and men, for that matter, are very strict with the details. If something you are not strong or do not understand, know that this can be your weak side. Therefore, learn-learn and learn again!
Photo: Getty Images, personal archive