What if the people in your new workplace aren't rejecting you—they're just figuring out how to work with you?
In this episode of Building Confidence, we're talking about something that doesn't get discussed very often: teaching men how to work with women.
When you enter a male-dominated workplace as a tradeswoman, there's a lot of newness for you. New people, new systems, new expectations and a new workplace culture. But sometimes there's also newness on the other side—because you may genuinely be the first woman some of your coworkers have ever worked alongside.
That uncertainty can sometimes look like people being distant, awkward or standoffish. And while sexism and unconscious bias absolutely exist, sometimes there may be something else happening too.
Drawing on my own experience entering a workshop where the team had previously had a difficult experience with another woman, I talk about why I often give a new workplace a little time before deciding exactly what's happening.
In this episode, we discuss:
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Why joining a new workplace can feel uncomfortable for everyone involved
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What can happen when your coworkers have never worked with a woman before
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Why being standoffish doesn't automatically mean someone doesn't want you there
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How previous workplace experiences can influence the way people respond to you
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Giving relationships time to develop before putting a label on what's happening
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Making the first move when coworkers are nervous about approaching you
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Staying true to your values and maintaining your boundaries
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Keeping sight of why you're there in the first place
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Recognising when the adjustment period has gone on long enough
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Why one woman's behaviour should never be used to represent all women
This isn't about accepting poor behaviour, changing who you are, or taking responsibility for fixing workplace culture.
It's about recognising what you can control: how you show up, how you communicate, the boundaries you set and the relationships you choose to build.
Sometimes people need a little time to get used to each other. And some of the people who initially have their walls up may eventually become the people you learn the most from.
If you would like help and support to implement this process you can book a coaching consultation here
If you are business wanting to give your employees more tools to succeed you can book a business chat here
Zadie proudly sponsors this episode.
Zadie is a workwear brand made by tradeswomen for tradeswomen and is made to fit your hips, thighs and butt; check them out at https://www.zadieworkwear.com.au/
