Five Lessons I Have Learned Working With Women

Follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Check out the Bring The Best website.

The world is changing, and I'm here for it.?

I've worked with women of all races, ages, and backgrounds in my career. Some of them were even in positions of power over me! What an experience of being the only "guy in the room", literally. Being the only male in teams is a tremendous learning step.

I learned a lot from these women as they taught me how to be better at my job and a better person. I want to share these lessons with you so that your world can become more inclusive and friendly to everyone.

Working with women is an honour.

Working with women is an honour.?

They are the backbone of the world, and they are the future, the present, and a part of history. Women have been going through many struggles and I find it essential to remind myself that there is power in their numbers.

Women are powerful people, oh yeah!

• Women are powerful people.
• Women are powerful in different ways than men.
• Women are powerful in ways that may not be obvious to you. You'll see them when you take the time to notice.
• Women's power is often not recognized because it's so subtle and nuanced.

Women have great ideas.

I've learned, working with women, that they have a lot of good ideas.

It's not that we, men, don't have good ideas—of course, we do! When it comes to creativity and innovation, women tend to be more likely to come up with them. And that can be a problem if you're in the business of preventing creative people from coming up with innovative thought leadership.

I also notice that women are more curious than men—and this makes me feel like there are so many business opportunities right now. We need to make sure we take advantage of those opportunities by being more open-minded.

Women need to know that they can do something to change the world or their environment.

Women need to know that they can do something to change the world or their environment. Women need to feel empowered and part of something bigger than themselves. Women need to feel like they can make a difference and that others value their contributions.

Women need to hear that they are doing great things and there is more for them to do. It may be in their career or whom they may want to be. Either way, you need to know that you can do something to change the world or at least their environment. Women are vital in a different way than we are—they need support and encouragement just as much because they often feel like all their efforts go unnoticed by us, men.

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for women to know how much they have inspired my other female colleagues and me at work. We admire each other so much; we encourage one another and make each other laugh while we're at it!

Women are strong and resilient in a different way than men are.

I have learned that when women are tested, they are stronger than men. They are stronger than they know. They are stronger because of all the things they've been through, and some would argue that this makes them so resilient.

A particular strength comes with being female in a patriarchal society. One where it feels like you can never quite catch up with the men around you or where your accomplishments are constantly being questioned, as if your success somehow doesn't count for much because of your gender identity. When people tell women that they aren't good enough or intelligent enough, or capable enough, they learn from an early age how to persist through adversity and push their boundaries further than most people could ever imagine themselves going under similar circumstances.

Bringing it all together.

Working with women is an honour and privilege.?

I am proud to be a part of this community of men who empower and change the world to be more inclusive of females. There is so much more work to be done. However, we are resilient and strong.

I look forward to working together with women as we create a better world for ourselves and our children and their children.

And you? Have you ever been the only "guy in the room"? How did that make you feel? Awkward? Curious? Let me know in the comments below.

DISCLAIMER.?The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter or blog are those of the author, and they are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR.?Casimiro da Silva Santos?is a dad, a coach, a business and climate action leader, and a speaker. He has more than 20-years of management and leadership experience in the corporate world, and he is a certified ACTP Coach by InsightOut Activision Institute accredited by ICF (International Coaching Federation). He is the founder of Bring The Best, which combines coaching of individuals, executives and teams with consulting for organisational and business excellence, including turnarounds and sustainable growth.