Serene Almehmi is an Intern from the University of North Carolina. (photo by Donn Young.)
Why Women Should Bring Other Women Along on their Paths to Success
There is an unfortunate stereotype that women do not support other women along their paths to success. Women are encouraged to compete with each other in the business world due to the scarcity of jobs at the top in an already male-dominated world. Societal biases and systemic obstacles make it harder for women to advance, sometimes making women in these high-pressure situations less inclined to get along. However, a culture of collaboration and connection would benefit women far more than competition in our journeys toward equity and achievement.
A strong network of like-minded peers is important for both men and women, but studies show that women with a close group of female friends in their network are more likely to land jobs with higher pay and greater authority. Sharing our experiences with other women allows us to recognize our strengths and grow confident in our abilities. Forming friendships built on trust within the workplace amplifies our accomplishments as a collective.
Finding a network of female professionals can be challenging. Here are some ways to speed up the search.
Prioritize creating and sustaining strong relationships
People prefer to do business with those that they genuinely trust and enjoy. Friendships based on shared likes and interests are valuable in all areas of life. Following up and keeping connections alive is the key to creating long-lasting, impactful partnerships.
Build other women up
When one woman succeeds, we succeed as a collective. Compliment the strengths of women in your workplace and shout out their accomplishments to cultivate a culture of positivity.
Recognize the strengths of your network
Having strong, hardworking women in your corner is advantageous in countless ways. The women in your network can offer advice, connect you to opportunities, and pick you up when you’re feeling down.
Momentum recently hosted a webinar with leadership experts Susan Hodgkinson and Alesia Latson on the importance of peer-to-peer support on your career journey. That recording is now available to view on our YouTube channel, Momentum Leaders.
