Today’s Tip is the next in a series of tips on how to be a good workplace ally to women in your organization compliments of our partner, LeanIn.org.
SITUATION
Women are prone to more intense self-doubt than men, and it is not because we’re missing a special confidence gene. Women face an uneven playing field at work. This bias is so pronounced that simply changing the name on a résumé from a woman’s to a man’s increases a candidate’s hireability by 61 percent. Because female performance is frequently underestimated, women need to work harder to prove we’re just as capable and are more likely to miss out on key assignments, promotions, and raises. Women even tend to underestimate our own performance and are more likely to attribute our failures to lack of ability. Because the workplace is harder on women—and we are harder on ourselves—our confidence often erodes. As a result, many women are less likely to put themselves forward for promotions or negotiate.
SOLUTION
Look for opportunities to boost other women’s confidence and encourage them to go for it. If a coworker tells you she’s not ready for a new project or position, remind her what she’s already accomplished and offer to be a thought buddy while she gets up to speed . . . or “fakes it till she makes it”. When it’s time to negotiate, encourage her to ask for more and role-play with her to prepare for the discussion.
DID YOU KNOW?
Men apply for jobs when they meet 60 percent of the hiring criteria, while women wait until we meet 100 percent. Moreover, women negotiate less frequently and ask for a third less money when we do. Yet when we negotiate for others, we are just as effective as men.
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