Post by Jane K. Stimmler, contributing Women on Business writer
Over the years, I have too often heard women say they would rather work with men than with women. That women are catty, jealous, exclusionary. That men are “easier” to work for and with. Many years ago, a secretary who was assigned to me – I was the only female manager in my company at the time – dissolved into tears right in front of me. When I asked her what was wrong, she told me (between sobs) that it was humiliating to be working for a woman. I’m not making this up! And, while I have had my share of women colleagues and bosses whose styles and personalities clashed with my own, I can honestly say that my best working relationships have been with women.
Recently I met a woman with whom I’ve had a long distance working relationship for months over the phone and through email. When we saw each other, we smiled, said hello – and spontaneously gave each other a “so great to finally meet you” hug. There’s a warmth and appreciation among women colleagues that’s hard to describe. Maybe it’s because we speak the same language based upon our unique challenges and barriers – and therefore understand each other on a deeper level.
Sometimes it seems like women are on one team – and the men are somewhere else entirely. I’ve been in a number of meetings where it seemed like the men had a completely different experience and perspective from the women who were there. The men left the room thinking one thing – and the women’s view was quite another! We women ended up shaking our heads in bewilderment at the situation.
Women also tend to have styles that are more compatible with one another. I’m one of those “organized” women with detailed lists – in writing and in my head. I notice that my women colleagues, even the ones who aren’t quite so Type A, intuitively understand and respect this attribute. And, when two Type A female’s team up – look out. The project will be so well thought out and it will run so smoothly it’ll make your head spin.
Don’t get me wrong – there are colleagues and clients of both genders with whom I have productive and enjoyable relationships. But there is something to be said for the power of women working together. It’s just special.
What has your experience been? Please share!
Susan Gunelius
Susan Gunelius is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women on Business. She is a 25-year veteran of the marketing field and has authored ten books about marketing, branding, and social media, including the highly popular Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing, 30-Minute Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing for Dummies, Blogging All-in-One for Dummies and Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps. Susan’s marketing-related content can be found on Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, MSNBC.com, BusinessWeek.com, and more. Susan is President & CEO of KeySplash Creative, Inc., a marketing communications company. She has worked in corporate marketing roles and through client relationships with AT&T, HSBC, Citibank, Intuit, The New York Times, Cox Communications, and many more large and small companies around the world. Susan also speaks about marketing, branding and social media at events around the world and is frequently interviewed by television, online, radio, and print media organizations about these topics. She holds an MBA in Management and Strategy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC).
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We women know how to connect and network. We also know how to build relationships. Out of that, we are successful. At one time my priorities were like that of a man: career, family, faith. I was miserable, broke and empty. I changed my priorities to match those of successful women: faith, family, career. I am now happy, making money and fulfilled. It’s how we work.
Great thoughts, Charlene. We women must embrace our unique styles and they will work well for us.
Jane
What I love about working with women is the sharing. We can’t help ourselves. When we care about one another there is no limit to how much she will have your back. That’s the quality I enjoy best. Since women come in so many flavors and sizes I don’t feel that way about all women. The ones who are still in war against men or the culture––or who are uber competitive exhaust me.
What a great thought provoking post Charlene! I agree that working with many women colleagues and clients, there is a special connection and it is often unspoken.
When another woman professional or business owner and I enjoy that special connection, it often leads to many more powerful connections. And those new connections typically come in the form of personal introductions to others–both women and men!
Holly Magister, CPA, CFP
ExitPromise.com
Personally I love to work with women, aside from being outspoken, they are most of the time open to ideas. So far in my lifetime, I don’t have to worry about hurting their ego, unlike when I speak to men, majority of women are open to ideas and willing to explore.