I might as well declare that “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers” by Lois P. Frankel is the perfect read to close up a summer vacation with. Why waste the rejuvenation and the newly found confidence when you can get back to work dragging the bull by its horns? Hey, I’m no advocate for violence, but maybe it’s time to be clearer, more precise, and more stern about your needs and expectations at your workplace. “Good girls” don’t get the corner office, sometimes you gotta be stern and unyielding.
Disclaimer: This is not a declaration of a gender war, but if a female deserves the ‘corner office’, then the female should get it.
My friend got herself a corner office, and it gladdens my whole being. Little victories are victories all the same. She no longer has to clear my office trash by herself. Why should anyone have to return to a full bin of trash on a Monday just because she’s female? Here is the gist: being the only female on the team as a business strategist, the office cleaner, who is a ‘cultural’ woman, expects that a lady should sort her own trash. It didn’t also help things that my friend loves to snack on; her side bin is never empty.
Even though she complained about it a couple of times, she had to always bring her snack wraps home. She eventually had her full. It was bound to happen. All it took was a stressful week. She closed the week without emptying her bin. Monday turned out to be quite embarrassing. There was a smell in the office, and it was from her cubicle. That was the last straw, she made the very last complaint, and now, her bin gets cleared everyday. Tired of being a “good girl”? Here are some tips from Lois P. Frankel.
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Cultural Conditioning
From a young age, many women are socialised to be “good girls” who are polite, accommodating, and non-confrontational. While these traits are often praised, they can sometimes lead to women being overlooked for leadership roles, where assertiveness and decisiveness are often required.
People-Pleasing
The tendency to avoid conflict, be agreeable, and put others’ needs before one’s own can result in a lack of self-advocacy. This can prevent women from negotiating for better positions, salaries, or resources that could propel their careers forward.
Reluctance to Take Risks
“Good girls” might be more cautious and less willing to take risks, whether that’s speaking up in a meeting, applying for a promotion, or taking on a challenging project. Risk-taking is often necessary for career advancement.
Fear of Appearing Ambitious
Women may fear being labelled as overly ambitious or “bossy,” which can lead to them downplaying their achievements or not pursuing leadership opportunities as aggressively as their male counterparts.
Avoiding Self-Promotion
The book argues that many women are uncomfortable with self-promotion, which can lead to their accomplishments being overlooked. In the workplace, being visible and vocal about your successes is often key to advancing.
Over-Reliance on Hard Work Alone
While hard work is essential, the book suggests that relying solely on it without building strategic relationships, networking, or seeking out mentors can limit career growth.
Lack of Assertiveness
The book highlights that assertiveness is often mistaken for aggressiveness in women, leading them to hold back in situations where being direct is necessary. This can result in missed opportunities for leadership or influence.
