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I recently listened to a debate on social constructs and how they influence our choices in life. In a lot of cases, we act based on two things. The information we have, which is in most cases incomplete or imperfect, and following the patterns we are most used to, which are shaped by our past experiences and our past biases.
While men, from when they are younger are taught to be ambitious and go-getters, girls are more likely to be taught to be likeable and nurturers.
There’s everything right with the latter but the former does not always make for an effective employer or employee. How do we debunk these constructs and ensure we do not feel as if we’re living a split personality at the same time?
Information
The most effective decisions are those made with the right, if sometimes imperfect information. It is often said that information is power and as much as this may be a cliche, it is true.
While the spaces men inhabit tend to be geared towards information sharing and gathering, think the golf course and clubs, the same may not be true for most women. We must make a conscious effort to have access to the same information whether it be for seeking or negotiating jobs, effectively carrying out roles or developments in the industry.
One way to do this is by building in social capital into your week. Make an effort to reach out to the contacts you meet and specially those who are clued in to the latest trends and developments in industries you’re interested in. If we can make time every month for Chama meetings, surely we can make time for our businesses or careers too.
Integrity
Integrity here refers to being the same person you are in the morning and evening, in the office and in the social gathering, in the home as in the workplace. Tapping into the authentic part of who you are also helps deal with the imposter syndrome that people sometimes deal with.
Be kind to yourself and avoid negative self speak when you evaluate and choose a specific course of action. If you are applauded for executing a project very well, avoid second guessing the sacrifices you may have made to get there. Make the choice and be present, regardless of the conflicting opinions you may deal with.
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