Sunday, December 2, 2012

Tips to Beat the Top 10 Factors Holding Women Back

Advice for Women Looking to Advance in Higher Education Administration

Article Review: Tips to Beat the Top 10 Factors Holding Women Back


            This article, found in the Journal for Women in Higher Education, was developed as a guide for women to break some of the most influencing barriers that cause low representation of women in high administrative positions. For each of the factors affecting female advancement in the workplace there are recommendations. This list can assist women to reach their full potential in the workplace.


            Focus on precision can be detrimental for women. It is impossible to achieve perfection in every area of work and life at all times. Coming to this realization, women can focus on saving their time and energy to tackle the big items.


As women leaders are representative of the university, their clothes, hair, and makeup can face criticism. Academic culture has a limited range of acceptable appearance standards. It is important to balance your personal standards with those of your colleagues.


            Many women lack the ability to accept a compliment without deflecting or devaluing it. Though modesty is expected of women in society, the author challenges women to take credit for their work; to be proud of the hard work completed without bragging.


            Many studies have found women are less confident of their abilities compared to men. It is important for administrators to take an inventory of their strengths and intentionally use them. Self-reflection on personal skills can encourage self-confidence.


            Co-dependency in and out of the workplace is common for all women, but it is important to combat those tendencies. Women leaders on a university may feel the need for student and subordinate approval, or agreeing to complete undesirable tasks. This article advises women to not rely on external validation, but value themselves.


            Statistics show there are differences between male and female career aspirations. The article provides guidance to fight this discrepancy. One way is to complete a career map. A career map requires people to think about where they want to be in the future both personally and professionally. It is important to intentionally set goals and develop a plan to reach them.


            Downtime is essential for the human body. It could be easy for a woman to ignore the necessary maintenance needed to keep her body in top shape. The author encourages women to make exercise, healthy eating, sleep, relationships, and fun a priority.


            It is important for women to overcome gender stereotypes. Common myths that women cannot make tough decisions, are deficient in financial skills, or are overly emotional should not be proven true. It is important for women to get training and experience in each category.


            The American way of self-sufficiency does not allow inquiry, but asking questions could be the only way women can get ahead in the workplace. Mentorship and collaboration are both outcomes from asking for help. It is important to learn from others and stretch resources for your department.


            The article states the number one factor working against women in higher education is having children. It is a challenge for women to balance work and household responsibilities. A few ways to overcome this challenge are: choosing the right partner, hiring sufficient help, and living near family and friends willing to help.


Dee, M. (2012, October). Tips to beat the top 10 factors holding women back. Women in Higher Education, 21(10), 32



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