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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