ACTING LIKE A MAN!

The emphasis in this mistake is on acting. Many women posses stereo-typically male characteristics and behave accordingly. These women aren't acting; there are just being themselves. It can work for them. If you are not one of those people, don't start now. You will never play the role of a man as well as you will a woman who plays her role well.

Acting like a man in the workplace will inevitably get one into trouble. Similarly as we expect men to act in certain ways, we expect the same of women. When they don't, it creates a kind of dissonance. If behaviours don't match expectations, we tend to mistrust people or think they are not playing their role appropriately. Instead, you must play the role that's expected while also widening the boundaries of the stage.

Being different from men isn't something to change or hide. We may be made to feel there's something wrong with how we act, but that's simply another ploy that's used to keep us in our places. Don't buy into it. Women bring a unique set of behaviours to the work scenario that are needed, especially in today's climate.

Our tendencies to collaborate rather than compete, listen more than you talk and use relationships rather than muscle to influence are the very same behaviours in men to acquire. But it all balance, just as men can overuse their stereotypical characteristics, so can women.

A caveat of which to be aware is that behavioural characteristics for men and women very among corporate cultures. It is recommended to continue to learn about your style, what works, where you get stuck, and ways you can complement your natural strength with new behaviours. Notably modify rules to meet your needs and others expectations. However, be conscious that behavioural expectations very among corporate cultures. Thereby observing cultural norms or best finding a work environment that complements your natural style.