Recently, the scales that measure the number of men and women in positions of power are slowly starting to reach the balance. Many companies are consciously trying to be more diverse. However, managerial positions are very divided by field—there are industries where female managers are equally present as male ones, but there are also industries that report a noticeable gender pay gap. We are making progress, but have a long way to reach equality. In today’s business world, with stronger empowerment of women and better support, there’s no better time to learn how to act and look commandeering as a woman and establish yourself as a strong female manager.
Put in the work
The most straightforward way to gain respect at your job is to be good at it. You will need to show off your managerial skills, show up early, stay late and give your all to every task that comes into your hands. Only people who are worthy and capable of taking responsibility will gain true respect and have a strong influence. Being great at your job should be enough, but as women, we must accept that other elements like communication and appearance are also important and must be polished to command respect.
Don’t let others speak over you
When you’re a manager, you must do your best to make people treat you accordingly. Many women leaders report being in situations where clients and employees would start talking past them and doing all communication through male colleagues, even though they were the ones making decisions and handling tasks. As soon as you feel that someone is undermining your authority (consciously or subconsciously) make sure to remind them of your role.
Know when to lead and when to be a team player
Many women are scared to take credit for their accomplishments and choose to put their team at the forefront. But make sure to own your individual successes while also encouraging others to be involved and participate. Every manager needs to face difficult decisions, but as long as you’re focused on the project goals and keeping the morale of your team high, you will manage your team successfully. Prepare for conflict since not everyone will like your decisions all the time, but if you have your priorities straight, the opposition shouldn’t concern you.
Look the part
What should you do when it comes to attire and styling in the office? Should you fit in with your male equals and dress casually or should you dress professionally to command more respect? This is a debatable question, but if you want to play it safe, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. A simple yet professional haircut can also help you on your path to being taken seriously. Something elegant like a low bun or healthy loose and straight hair can be achieved with hair extensions clip in additions even if you lack length. With good extensions, you can change your hairstyle according to the occasion and always look perfectly put together.
Communicate professionally
Every manager needs to be close with her coworkers, but it’s still important to communicate formally. Every email should include a proper greeting and sign off (unless you’re in the middle of a quick back-and-forth exchange). When you’re communicating formally, your higher-ups will take you more seriously.
Remain neutral in certain situations
Every workplace is full of gossip, criticism and competitiveness. To stay true to your position of power and respect, it’s very important to stay neutral and away from office drama. As a manager, you need to be objective and reliable. If you gossip, it might result in a lack of trust from your workers and equals and consequently a lack of respect. If you stay neutral, everyone will realize you’re above drama and will even adapt their own behavior.
Be confident
Your every decision needs to be done with confidence. You’re in your managerial position for a reason—because you’re capable and qualified. When you mix the right attitude with the right look, body language and communication, you will exude confidence. Rhetoric is very important for every manager, so make an effort to avoid expressions of doubt and words that have an emotional connotation. Instead, fill your vocabulary with positive and accomplished words.
While we still have a long way to go until women managers are seen as equal to their male counterparts, we need to strive to gain respect and learn how to get the most out of our careers.