How to Break Gender Stereotypes

We know gender bias exists. The stereotypes that a woman's role is that of nurturer, that she belongs in support roles, and that men are the leaders that belong in charge are still prevalent in male-dominated industries and roles.

It's difficult to change stereotypes that have been built over generations overnight. So if we want to advance in our careers and be promoted, what can we do?

The key tactic I've used in my career to get promoted is to "Fill the Void". To look for the gaps where I could step in and add value and stand out from my peers. Solving problems. Going above and beyond.

At the same time, we need to make sure the extra work we are putting in isn't discounted as support work. We need to avoid reinforcing the very stereotypes we want to break.

What does that look like at work?

That means taking the initiative to solve problems, but make sure the problems you put your hand up for are important to the company’s success. Also make sure the problems you offer to solve will help you grow YOUR skills.

Putting your hand up to take on tasks that the company doesn’t value or that aren’t challenging is not helping you or your career.

The question to ask yourself – is this something that is going to help you and your team be successful? Will you learn and grow by taking on the extra work? These are the opportunities you should volunteer for.

Don’t volunteer for roles that reinforce the very gender stereotypes you are trying to break

The stereotypes that say: Men take charge and women take care.

Taking care at work often looks like extra admin tasks - like taking notes, or making copies, or coordinating the lunch order for the team. These actions reinforce the perception that we are there to take care of the team.?

Now if taking care is your job – including these tasks – that’s not what I’m talking about. You absolutely should do the tasks that are part of your job description.

I'm talking about when the boss (man or woman) looks around the room at a group of peers and says “can someone volunteer to take notes”, and you want to be helpful - and think that you will be appreciated for the extra effort.

You might be appreciated for extra admin work – but you won’t be promoted!

Sit on your hands if you have to, but don’t volunteer if it’s not a growth opportunity.

Now, what do you do if you are often asked to take notes, or make copies, and it's not part of your job? And your male peers aren't asked to do the same?

Recognize the patterns of behaviour and come up with scenarios to disrupt them. Be prepared next time you are asked to "help"

If asked to take notes – I would say: “yes – will we all take turns at each meeting?” – something to remind the team that everyone can share that job.

Another common example I faced coming up the ranks -?getting coffee.

I am not above any task that is needed for my team - I will gladly get coffee for my staff. I put that in the “fill the void” category – I will help my team in any way that helps them across the finish line on a project. I will happily get coffee for my teammates if we take turns. But,

I have not once EVER gotten coffee for my male boss?– even if they have asked.

Why? Because it plays into that very stereotype I have spent my lifetime trying to break. And how did I get out of it when I was asked? I made it a point to not know how to make a decent cup of coffee my whole career. So when asked I answer “sorry I’m a tea drinker – I have no idea how to make coffee”.

And managers – if any of this is sounding familiar – check your own habits to see if you are looking to the women on your team to do admin tasks that are not part of their job without even realizing it, OR assuming that men don’t support their teams. Stereotypes can go both ways!

#kickglasskat #diversity #leadership