Thoughts on How Far Women Have Come in the Workplace and How to Continue that Journey   

Today’s business environment has changed drastically over the past decades.  Women are exploding in the workforce at record numbers, and in many cases comprise the majority of the work environment. In 1972, women represented just 38 percent of the workforce. After years of steady growth that percentage rose to 46 percent and will likely continue to rise. In December 2014, there were over 73 million working women in the U.S. with women representing a majority in professional and technical occupations (51 percent).

Looking Back on What’s Changed for Women at Work

Reading those statistics, I look back, and remember; entering the business world, I was a naïve , doe-eyed college graduate grateful to have a job, not  knowing what was expected, or what I was expected to contribute. That is no longer the case for those entering the workforce, and it’s useful to take a look at how previous gender-issue behaviors at the office are now (thankfully) no longer as prevalent.  For instance:

• Allowing others to determine your limits and capability as a female, which then influences your career path; e.g. hearing comments like “That’s not a field usually selected by women.”
• Taking a back seat as a passive observer in business meetings and conversations while serving in subservient roles – all the while knowing that you have relevant information that could contribute to the conversation and add value.
• Not accepting challenges because we convinced ourselves it was not in our character or would be perceived as too aggressive or masculine; e.g. bypassing non-traditional roles in science, math, architecture, construction or management fields that others deemed to be too challenging for females.
• Directed toward positions based on others’ assessments of your capabilities rather than where your passion lay, resulting in titled promotions and more responsibility, but still being redirected from your true professional passion. This can end up providing stress and anguish and less satisfaction regarding long-term achievement of personal goals.
• Feeling guilt about putting your job first before family (the feeling that “I have to go take these calls” or answer emails while on vacation – i.e. the pressure-filled idea that “this could be extremely important and no one else is capable.”)

Women are Contributing in a Dynamic Way

The ability for women to contribute and lead from day one is now part of our workplace culture, and everyone – male and female — brings knowledge, collaboration and the ability to offer opinions in any work environment. As well, technology and resources for continuous learning allow us a limitless “white board” for ideas and solutions. Women of today recognize — or at least should — their abilities to provide viewpoints on any subject matter, conversation or challenge in the work environment. We are major contributors to household income, decision-makers for major purchases at home, and at work now enjoy many of the perks of our male counterparts.

This all came to fruition for females after they spent time in many boardrooms as silent occupants, note-takers and only in support roles. Nowadays, we have earned our seat at the table, and have the ability to facilitate meetings and set the agendas. It is vital that we not forget how far we have come and the many roads still to be traveled on the path of life. Family, friends and moral fortitude should be our guides when mentors are not available to guide the way.

Courage, Strength and Fortitude Moving Forward

With strength, courage and confidence women will build the future.  So remember these points on your road to professional success:

• No one at any time should determine your capabilities based solely on their opinion. We all learn, perform and resolve problems differently. Critical thinking is a vital part of human nature and how civilizations have survived. Quick fixes without thorough review do not work. Others making decisions without having all the facts usually result in the receiving party being at the disadvantage. So make sure what is being asked of you is right for you and your chosen path.  Make time for that discussion — it’s about your future!
• Participating in a meeting is expected. Otherwise, why are you attending? I like to listen and get a sense of the attendees’ thinking processes, and then speak when I can gauge the environment – i.e., is this an open discussion, or is this a meeting to inform you on how things are going to be? In other words, sometimes just listening, at first, can be your best helper. When appropriate, speak up if you feel you can add value. (Note: confrontation and challenges result in emotional outbursts, which are of no benefit to anyone at the office!)
• Life is a continual learning process, from the day we take a breath outside of the womb. Baby steps continue daily in our personal and professional lives. We believe we know our capabilities and the extent of comfort in new challenges. But we now also know that the brain has infinite learning capacity. That, combined with personal preference or passion, determines our likes and dislikes. Learning capacity has nothing to do with gender or social classifications. So if you have trepidation based on your gender, let it go. Research and history have provided successful careers in all fields for both genders – so, yes, little girls can and should play with science kits, car, trucks and architectural building kits. Allow them the choice to find their passion!
• Everyone desires to be rewarded for hard work and accomplishments. Promotions in the business environment are the established mode of recognition, along with financial reward. While on the exterior these connote success, if you look deeper that is not always the case. In other words, if the new path leads to a different path from your end goal, is it really success? Does it take you way from your passion, family and selected field? Remember, in many positions, professional growth and technical knowledge will often take a back seat to administrative responsibilities. So be careful what you ask for!
• Family is and always should be the most important factor in our lives. Family can defined as a pet, friends, social circles or anything that takes us away from working 24/7. I have been lucky in my life to have had a supportive spouse, successful professional daughters, family and friends who have come in and out of my life when needed (and sometimes unexpected!). Wasted time spent on emails and work calls during family events is time spent that I will not get back. So realize that someone is always capable of doing your job either short- or long-term; you are not the first or last in any role, and take time to enjoy the journey of life.