It is a phenomenon that keeps me busy…. women in business. Yes, I’m a businesswoman and mother of two. No, I refuse to behave like my “fellow businessmen.” But, I’m getting the impression that I’m quite alone on an island. Most female CEO’s are still compensating for their gender by behaving like …. right… men. Especially in IT or production facilities.
Is it testosterone? Are there any medical studies proving that business women have by nature more testosterone than other women? Or, do we get more testosterone by doing business?
Another more important question that comes to mind is the following:
“Are we truly happy and satisfied with this life? Is it who we really are?”
Women have so many great unique features that men don’t have, but we don’t we use them enough in business. I’m talking about [intlink id="7449" type="post"]working efficiently[/intlink], having a creative view on the solution of problems, and having so much more intuition.
Today our looks and legs are still too important in business, and many of us play the game.
It is time that women really stand up for themselves. Stop focusing on becoming a member of the “Old boy’s club.” Those old boys will be gone in a few years.
Start focusing on the creation of an “Old girl’s club,” wrinkles allowed – kids allowed. Wouldn’t that make us all a lot happier?
I am convinced that this the responsibility of all businesswomen. We can combine successful business with being a “real” mom, not a surrogate one. We have to quit trying to live up to the expectations of men and “surrogate men.” Only then we can become confident and really successful.
I took the risk and succeeded in building a successful company without having to miss any of my children’s activities. And, I had a great time doing it!
I agree that you need a lot of good planning and a solemn promise to yourself not let your business rule your life. But once you succeed in doing so, and once you feel that the stress of being torn between the children and the office is disappearing, building a business is one of the best experiences you can have.
In the end there is only one thing I really have in common with most CEOs… a fat paycheck!
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No adapting for me although it may have been easier! Working in the construction industry presented a ton of “oh no it’s a woman” situations. Too bad guys, deal with it was my motto. And what made things even better was the hubby backed me on that fact! Lots of contractors would ask to speak with hubby only to find out that I was the one with the info they needed or the solution to the problem!
I had no problem loading up my kids and taking them along for short business meeting. Of course our associates expected as much after doing business with us. They appreciated the fact that we put our kids first, men included. I found that “being me” worked out just fine. Of course I reserved that display for after the contract signing!
Great article, lots to consider for business women.
There are number of things that could be interpreted as male behavior, when in fact, they’re not. It’s just that now, more women are in those same roles.
The best way to tell is to watch female and male behavior over a number of roles, to see if it is the same. Typically, it is different.
I do think women and men behave differently, and those women who appear to be acting like men do are doing just that – acting.
Some women actually promote behaving like a man – Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office specifically talks about NOT doing really girly things, like bringing food to work and leaving it on your desk for everyone to share.
I don’t know where I sit on this issue. I work for myself, and it’s way different when you are at the top by default!
AMEN!
I admit, I definitely adapt my actions and sayings dependent on a ‘male’ point of view and life-style. I do a lot to fit in and be ‘one of the guys’, but that really needs to stop. It’s more degrading than anything, like we’re not worth being ourselves.
Thanks a lot for this! Will try my best to join in on the revolution and get others to as well.
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