Without a doubt, women have come a long way in the workplace over the course of the last fifty years. Once confined to only a few positions that were deemed suitable for them, women are now visible in virtually every segment of the workforce. From construction sites to corporate boardrooms, many of the outmoded stereotypes and social stigmas that once served to segregate men and women in the workplace have been dismantled and discarded.
Despite the considerable progress that’s been made, though, women still face unique challenges in the workplace. Getting recognized and rewarded for a job well done can still be a daunting task in even the most progressive work environments, and it can be a particularly tall order in the hospitality industry, which remains largely male-dominated, particularly in supervisory, managerial, and executive leadership roles.
They say old habits die hard, but sometimes all it takes is a little strategic intervention to help break decades-old traditions that have long since outlived their usefulness. These simple tips may be all it takes to set your career path for success.
Become Indispensable
Women in male-dominated fields often have to prove themselves worthy of promotion time and time again before they’re finally rewarded with opportunities for advancement. Pay your dues. Develop expert knowledge and skills in your chosen field. Cultivate niche talents and abilities that few others can lay claim to. Make your advancement in the organization a foregone conclusion.
Give Credit Where Credit Is Due – Even If It’s To You
Connie Glaser, an expert on women in the workplace and author of Swim with the Dolphins: How Women Can Succeed In Corporate America On Their Own Terms, points out that even the most successful women are often hesitant to lay claim to their own successes and triumphs. While humility is a virtue, you may be diminishing the impact of your contributions if you fail to take credit for your hard work. Although it may feel awkward, force yourself to take credit for your successes from time to time, especially during chats with upper-level leaders.
Take Full Advantage of Mentoring Programs, Leadership Initiatives, Company Committees, and Other Networking Opportunities
Carve out the time in your schedule and commit yourself to these types of “extracurricular” activities. In order to maximize your chances of success, never pass up an opportunity to demonstrate your dedication, expand your network, and maybe even learn a few new things in the process.
Perfect Your Pitch
Invest a couple of hours in crafting a short and to-the-point statement that outlines why you are the right candidate for the big promotion. Forego the overly assertive approach in favor of a friendly, factual summary of your accomplishments and qualifications. You never know when the right moment may present itself, so it pays to be prepared.
Take a Long-Term View
If you’re passed over for a promotion that you had your heart set on, take a deep breath — it may not have been the right role for you. Try to adopt a broad view of the organization, your relationship with it, and your future with the company. Fixating on a single “dream job” may close your eyes to other opportunities you hadn’t even dreamed of yet.