Is It Difficult To Work With Women In The Workplace?
Over the years, there has been a rise in the number of women in the workplace. Although men still surpass women in managerial and CEO positions, women are increasingly taking leadership roles at major companies. Meanwhile, there is a narrative that it is difficult to work with professional women in the workplace. How accurate is this narrative, and how do we make better relationships with women in the workplace?
Is It a Stereotypical Statement?
The narrative that women are difficult to work is primarily rooted in the stereotypes and societal assumptions about how women should be. Based on these assumptions, men are expected to be assertive in the workplace, and other workers are mandated to respect their leadership. However, women are expected to be nurturing and less assertive, and once their leadership traits don’t conform with the expectations, they are labeled difficult.
A lot of us have unconscious biases that we need to address to simplify interactions at the workplace. Many times, the narrative that women are difficult to work with is rooted in unconscious bias. When a woman pushes her idea or is being assertive, she may get called “aggressive.” Meanwhile, when a man exhibits the same behavior, he is seen as “a good leader.”
These expectations and differences may lead to a relationship divide and may strain interaction in the workplace. It is, therefore, necessary to check ourselves and re-examine our biases as we develop assumptions about other coworkers. When you have a conflict with a woman at work, give her the benefit of the doubt.
Women in Workplace May Have a Tough Exterior
While women being difficult is largely built on stereotypes, it is also necessary to note that there are difficult women just as there are difficult men. Also, over the years, women have learned to show a tough exterior, especially in men-dominated offices, so that people can see them as exceptional and good enough as their male counterparts. This may make them come off as ‘bossy,’ ‘pushy,’ or ‘difficult,’ and it’s another reason some women in the workplace are seen as difficult to work with.
Working with Women in the Workplace
Working with women in the workplace can be a simple experience as long as you avoid the assumptions that may cause division. Some tips include;
● Build Solid Friendship With The Women You Work With
Do your best to have fun and build solid relationships with your coworkers, whether male or female. This involves getting to know them, spending time while still being professional, and addressing conflicts without making it a personal attack. Also, trust their skills and professional abilities, don’t make sexist jokes, listen to them, consider their opinions, take them seriously and be polite while dealing with them.
● Check Yourself For Bias
Many of us are socialized to expect certain behaviors from women. When they exhibit something different from what we expect, we may find them ‘bossy,’ “stubborn,” and other words that describe a ‘difficult woman.’ When you have issues or conflict with a woman at work and categorize her as difficult, try to rethink your position and consider if her behavior would be ‘difficult’ were she a man. Odds are a ‘difficult woman’ is just doing her job.
● If You Hear Someone Stereotyping Women, Please Speak Up
Changing the worldview of women in the workplace starts by speaking out and stepping up. If a female coworker is labeled difficult or judged unfairly for doing her job, intervene by speaking up.
Bottom Line
Some people are difficult to work with both in the office and outside, and it has nothing to do with gender. For a healthier interaction in the workplace, it is crucial to build relationships with coworkers, question gender stereotypes, and let go of assumptions of how women should be. At Unmute, we have designed mentorship programs for women and men who would like to Unlearn, so if you feel it could benefit you or your company, give us a nudge!