My first day at the corporate world – a male-dominated, automobile manufacturing company – as senior management was nothing short of daunting. After years of experience in working at organizations with a large population of women, I felt a bit intimidated as I surveyed an overwhelmingly male workplace.
And then she walked up to me with a smile, welcomed me into the company and introduced herself as the HR head. It may sound a bit melodramatic now, but at that moment she seemed like an old friend in a sea of hostiles.
It’s not that one cannot make friends with male colleagues, but bonding with other women at workplace can play a big role in a successful career. I have made some of my closest friends at the workplace. While there is no doubt that to be successful in any job and especially the corporate world, it is important to develop mutually rewarding relationships with everyone, kinship among women creates a conducive environment for nurturing professional growth and personal wellbeing. It makes the workplace an enjoyable and fun place. And the reasons are not hard to find.
We often spend more time in office than at home. Sitting next to each other for close to eight or ten hours a day, travelling together, sharing tea, coffee, and anecdotes; discussing professional and personal challenges – a beautiful bond often develops among women colleagues. I remember our discussions on managing work-life balance, children’s education, parents, and cranky husbands, were as engaging as our brainstorming sessions on the new business plan or the perfect power point presentation.
However, this connection goes far beyond just chatting and laughing over coffee, borrowing an ST or sharing compliments over a lovely outfit. Friendship among women is a powerful force that uplifts them and helps them excel in their jobs. Working together and supporting each other, they can challenge each other to learn more and enhance their skill levels.
We all know about the cliché that women are the worst enemies of women. But that is just what it is – a cliché probably coined by a man. No doubt the competitive spirit is as strong in women as it is in men. And just as insecure men make life difficult for other men at workplace, so can the women. It doesn’t have to be like that. The mantra is to be competitive and supportive. As some women shatter the glass ceiling by outshining others, they inspire and empower others to tread the same path.
Heading a team of several women from varying age groups and backgrounds, I had the most rewarding and enjoyable time with them. No matter what the discussion, I was sure to get a new perspective on issues. Each time I learnt something new. And they learnt from each other and gained both knowledge and confidence. Women in leadership positions can create a conducive atmosphere of mutual respect and knowledge sharing.
When you work, travel, shop and have fun together for years, you become sort of soul sisters. I have such a soul sister, who is particularly close to my heart. She has made me stronger and more successful at work and a better person in life. She is always my go-to person for seeking answers, clarity, and the alternate view to professional and personal matters. I shall always cherish that bond. Today, when I see her scaling new heights professionally and standing tall among all the men around her, I see a bit of myself in her.
That’s what women can do – uplift each other to new heights.
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