What do you think women need and are not getting to move up in the workforce?

L Fitz

January 19,2024 at 2:54PM UTC

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What do you think women need and are not getting to move up in the workforce? I used to be involved with a group to support women in the energy sector. The purpose was to empower and promote women. As time passed, I felt the organization was more of a check box for the board than doing what it was meant to do. Due to the fact I was heavily involved and left (with notice), they have not been able to fill the spots I oversaw. They continue to contact me for advice and guidance. I hope the new persons can make a difference and continue to offer help when asked. I was asked what areas I thought the members could benefit from receiving training. The company provides training on software, DEI, and leadership. I suggested more soft skills such as interpersonal (people), communication, listening, time management, problem-solving, and simple things such as effective resumes, cover letters, and interviews. I was ridiculed for thinking, why should we offer skills to get to leave? We have A LOT of internal postings. Most employees have been there for over ten years and compete with new graduates. What skills do you think are essential for women not "taught" in a textbook, that we either learn as we go or by mentors, friends, colleagues, etc....

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AnonymousJanuary 19,2024 at 3:06PM UTC
I would add interviewing, negotiating (for more than money, but also benefits and "intangibles"), and interpersonal skills. Many people are coming into the workforce without any idea of how to take direction and would rather talk back or quit than do what they are required to do. People (of all ages) have become spoiled by the flexibility the pandemic required and are returning to the workforce and offices with a chip on their shoulders. I know I did, and I am a "boomer." After all, I worked from home just fine for seven months after the lockdown, so why was it necessary to return then? (rhetorical question). Understanding how to communicate and work "within the system" instead of against it is a soft skill not in the textbooks.
AnonymousJanuary 19,2024 at 8:11PM UTC
Yes, this is great feedback. I would also add the removal of "I'm sorry" from our conversational skills. The path of learning how to recommunicate post Covid has been a challenge for quite a few associates. How do we challenge them to take charge and boost their confidence?
AnonymousJanuary 20,2024 at 3:58PM UTC
Yes, take charge and boost confidence without appearing demanding or unwilling to compromise. Compromise is another skill. It requires open-mindedness and willingness to listen and understand another POV.
AnonymousJanuary 19,2024 at 3:06PM UTC
Office politics.
Useful for men too, but men frequently can get away with bluster rather than having to navigate through social networks.
AnonymousJanuary 19,2024 at 6:13PM UTC
Yes. Assertive language is such an important skill. It is a tool for effective comunication, and it is amazing how much of a difference it makes. Takes time to feel natural, but it helps even on a personal level, really.
Focused301766January 19,2024 at 6:26PM UTC
How to build and mantain boundries effectively.
As a woman, I used to feel my boundries were constantly being tested. It wasn't until my first female boss showed me on practice how to behave to have solid boundries, without feeling distant.
Sometimes it takes a moment of silence or a quick observation to make people realize they are overstepping. She had a mastery of both "on a task" and "taking a break" face, and watching her made me realize some things aren't meant to be discussed in an office building, or even with coworkers anywhere.
Intimacy and friendship is a long run, and must be deserved, it shouldn't be assumed just because you work with someone.
Maggie SmithJanuary 19,2024 at 8:46PM UTC
Excellent point!
Maggie SmithJanuary 19,2024 at 8:55PM UTC
I think women need more confidence in their skills and ability to lead, and assertiveness.
Regarding confidence- how do we overcome the impostor syndrome, which is more prevalent in women? Women often don't step up, don't always apply to challenging positions, they want to be perfect before they do it.
Assertiveness is about boundaries and getting what we need. When we try to be assertive we are labeled aggressive. We need to be cognizant of these perceptions and not let this derail us.
Finally, communication and creating your own voice.
AnonymousJanuary 21,2024 at 1:49PM UTC
The higher ups are the ones who need training! Charge them a consulting fee and offer the decision makers some info they need to hear.