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 Comments

College 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.