Archive for October 16th, 2007
Being a man in a woman's world – What it's like having a female boss
Published by Ryan Paugh on October 16th, 2007 in Career Development, Employment, Work | 35 CommentsCollege parties, "March Madness" and fantasy football – just three topics my buddies chat about with their bosses to lighten the mood. I would've loved to have that kind of relationship at my first entry-level job. Unfortunately, my situation was different.
Since graduating college and working full-time, my superiors have all been females. Moreover, the majority of staffers on my first corporate team were women too. So ladies, when you complain about the male-driven work environment that leaves you feeling isolated and alone, I feel your pain.
At the risk of sounding sexist (again), if I ever return to the corporate world I really hope my boss is a guy – I'd learn faster, feel more involved and maybe even advance quicker.
The best teacher I ever had was a man
Think of the best teacher you've ever had. Why do they stick out from all the rest? If you're like me, it's probably because they found a way to connect with you on a personal level. It's also probable that they're a member of the same sex.
Of course, as we rise into the ranks of adulthood new factors come into play. Studies suggest that a superior mentor is one of the opposite sex – someone who probably finds you sexually attractive.
I, however, suggest that the influence of an older male is bound to hold more authority and respect in the work life of a younger male.
Is this comparable to female-to-female mentorship? I really don't know, but I would love to hear from women on this.
The inner circle of the opposite sex – No boys allowed
Being of the opposite sex in a female-centric environment, I realized quickly that there was an inner circle I'd never be able to penetrate. I imagine it must be somewhat comparable to how many women feel in a male-dominated work environment.
Even though I worked well with the whole team, I was never IN on the inside jokes, infrequently went out on lunches and hardly ever talked about my personal life. It was nobody's fault really. I was a man in a woman's world. We wouldn't relate to each other anyway.
Still, if I was working in a male dominated environment with a male superior, I'd certainly want to feel included.
About two months into my first job, our team moved into a work area we shared with the finance department, aka "the finance guys" – a male-dominated team that loved to socialize.
I worked on a bunch of cross-functional projects with them and for the short time they were there, I actually felt more involved. My energy level rose and productivity escalated too.
They ultimately ended up leaving the location, putting me back in the minority. But during that short period, I realized the importance of having a group of people you can relate to in the office.
Men and women climb a different ladder
Generation gaps aside, I know a male boss understands me a lot better than a female boss. Though I'm no longer "climbing the corporate ladder," I've come to understand that a male's ascension is rather different than a female's. Consequently, wouldn't it be more logical for a man to learn the ropes from an older, more experienced man?
But maybe I'm completely off on this one. Maybe one day I'll have a female boss I'd prefer to work with over any male. Until then, limited experience is all I have to go on.
Being a man in a woman's world – What it's like having a female boss
Published by Ryan Paugh on October 16th, 2007 in Career Development, Employment, Work | 35 CommentsCollege parties, "March Madness" and fantasy football – just three topics my buddies chat about with their bosses to lighten the mood. I would've loved to have that kind of relationship at my first entry-level job. Unfortunately, my situation was different.
Since graduating college and working full-time, my superiors have all been females. Moreover, the majority of staffers on my first corporate team were women too. So ladies, when you complain about the male-driven work environment that leaves you feeling isolated and alone, I feel your pain.
At the risk of sounding sexist (again), if I ever return to the corporate world I really hope my boss is a guy – I'd learn faster, feel more involved and maybe even advance quicker.
The best teacher I ever had was a man
Think of the best teacher you've ever had. Why do they stick out from all the rest? If you're like me, it's probably because they found a way to connect with you on a personal level. It's also probable that they're a member of the same sex.
Of course, as we rise into the ranks of adulthood new factors come into play. Studies suggest that a superior mentor is one of the opposite sex – someone who probably finds you sexually attractive.
I, however, suggest that the influence of an older male is bound to hold more authority and respect in the work life of a younger male.
Is this comparable to female-to-female mentorship? I really don't know, but I would love to hear from women on this.
The inner circle of the opposite sex – No boys allowed
Being of the opposite sex in a female-centric environment, I realized quickly that there was an inner circle I'd never be able to penetrate. I imagine it must be somewhat comparable to how many women feel in a male-dominated work environment.
Even though I worked well with the whole team, I was never IN on the inside jokes, infrequently went out on lunches and hardly ever talked about my personal life. It was nobody's fault really. I was a man in a woman's world. We wouldn't relate to each other anyway.
Still, if I was working in a male dominated environment with a male superior, I'd certainly want to feel included.
About two months into my first job, our team moved into a work area we shared with the finance department, aka "the finance guys" – a male-dominated team that loved to socialize.
I worked on a bunch of cross-functional projects with them and for the short time they were there, I actually felt more involved. My energy level rose and productivity escalated too.
They ultimately ended up leaving the location, putting me back in the minority. But during that short period, I realized the importance of having a group of people you can relate to in the office.
Men and women climb a different ladder
Generation gaps aside, I know a male boss understands me a lot better than a female boss. Though I'm no longer "climbing the corporate ladder," I've come to understand that a male's ascension is rather different than a female's. Consequently, wouldn't it be more logical for a man to learn the ropes from an older, more experienced man?
But maybe I'm completely off on this one. Maybe one day I'll have a female boss I'd prefer to work with over any male. Until then, limited experience is all I have to go on.
ABOUT RYAN HEALY
Ryan Healy is the Co-Founder and COO of Brazen Careerist, a social network for Gen Y professionals. He lives in Madison, WI and blogs about social media, recruiting, entrepreneurship, generational issues and how to make the world a better place. Ryan is also a featured keynote speaker, sports lover, tireless worker and devoted friend, boyfriend and son. To learn more about Ryan, visit the about page or check out his profile on Brazen Careerist.
Email Ryan
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