How to Work Effectively With Men

Male oriented jobs are not new to women, especially if you are in a corporate leadership role. The problem is women are typically outnumbered and men try to run roughshod over them. In a management training program that focused on the teachings of authors Marilyn Manning and Patricia Haddock, women can hold their own in the boardroom by using these tips.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Confidence

1. Wear business attire.
   
   At an audit I was conducting, a colleague showed up at the doctor’s office for a business meeting wearing a halter top. I was appalled! I instantly ushered her outside and gave her my jacket to put on. My auditors knew I was going to have a coronary. The minute she walked in, they all turned and looked at me. Her attire enforced the stereotypical message that women use sex to get what they want. Dr. Manning and Dr. Haddock recommend women wear business attire and sensible shoes that make them appear tall when working with men. A woman's attire and body language speaks volumes.

2. Know your stuff.
   
   Prepare for meetings in advance and stand firm on any point you need to make. If you are interrupted, say firmly “excuse me, I’m not through speaking” and continue with what you have to say. Statistics indicate women allow themselves to be interrupted 50% more than men and it is important that you let your male peers know that your thoughts are just as important and you won't be treated with disrespect.

3. Watch your body language.
   
   Women tend to talk with their hands. Drs. Manning and Haddock suggests women minimize gesturing and touching when talking as these movements distracts and lessens a position of power. You want them looking in your face and listening when you speak; the same courtesy you would give them.

4. No flirting.
   
   Keep all conversation and gestures on a business level. It is alright to have a sense of humor, but make sure it is appropriate.

5. Don’t try to be one of the boys.
   
   You are a woman and you love it - so do not try to act, talk or behave like the men. If the language or conversation becomes offensive, tell them immediately. If it continues, leave the room.

6. Keep your personal life personal.
   
   Don’t bear your soul around men. Most don’t know how to open up about such things and have no idea how to handle it when women do it.

7. Ask questions if you don’t know.
   
   Do not hold back on asking questions for fear of looking stupid. It is better to have a complete understanding and be productive than to spend a lot of time working on something and getting it wrong because you didn't understand.

8. They don’t have to like you, nor you them, to get the job done.
   
   Always be professional. You do not have to like a person to work with them. In every job I have ever had I met someone whose personality I didn’t like; but I never let it interfere with me working with that person and getting the job done. Just remember that you don’t go home with them so your contact is minimal. Smile, do your job and remain professional at all times. I always tell my employees, “They don’t have to like you, but demand that they respect you”. Then give them respect in return.

9. If you haven’t reached the level in your life where you can stand up for yourself and your beliefs, consider attending a management training program or an executive management training program. Such career coaching sessions typically give you interactive assignments to help you reach that level of development.

Resources

• How to Staff Your Clinical Research Center
• How to Coordinate a Successful Clinical Trial Collaboration
• How to Get Work in Brazil if You're American

[amylaine]

on 8/5/2008 Excellent advice.

[acole]

on 8/4/2008 Excellent article. Great tips!