24 March,2010 06:53 AM IST | | Rocky Thongam
Standing your ground in the face of massive resistance has its payoffs. FYI takes a cue from the Congress president and shows you how not to be an ostrich in the workplace March 8, 2010: the date when the Women's Reservation bill was passed 14 years after it was first proposed. The bill, which seeks 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, began its contentious journey in 1996 during the Deve Gowda government. It was only in 2004 however, that the UPA government, led by Sonia Gandhi, included it in the Common Minimum Programme a document outlining the minimum objectives of a coalition government. Gandhi (pictured here beside Prime Minister Manmohan Singh) fought to get the bill passed despite massive resistance from the opposition. Interestingly, the bill was passed on the occasion of Women's Day, making Gandhi's wish for the UPA to "gift" the bill to the women of India, a reality.
'I would rather die standing than live on my knees,' Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata declared once. For those of us stuck in the rat race, and otherwise lacking in courage, there seems little time for revolutions beyond paper and our own blogs.
But at times when the office becomes a conflict zone, and when the same colleagues we believed we could count on for support turn against us, even the most timid among usu00a0 have to dig in their heels and hold their own.
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Following in the footsteps of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who stood her ground in the face of major opposition over the Women's Reservation bill, here's a quick guide on how to stick up for yourself in the workplace.
What to do
Be honest
Honesty gives you the courage to hold your own. If you believe in your stand stick with it; a clear conscience always helps in the long run.
Be prompt
Don't hesitate to take action as soon as required; nip things in the bud. Timely action is the key to healthy conflict-resolution.
Know your rights
Remember, knowledge is power. Make sure to gather the required information about your rights and then exercise them.
Seek support from friends
If you don't have an adequate support system in the office, look to your extended circle of friends for help.
Follow up
Once you have lodged a complaint or taken action, follow up with the person concerned so that the situation doesn't lose its relevance. Ensure others
know how serious you are about the situation.
What not to do
Don't flip your lid
Stay calm and focused. Keeping a cool head is essential. There have been instances where people have lost winning cases only because they lost their temper with a supervisor and therefore came off as "emotional" and therefore irrational.
Don't expect special treatment
While women can expect support up to a certain degree, most organisations prefer to be seen as treating men and women equally.
Don't cry wolf
Unless you find yourself in a genuine fix, keep your finger away from the trigger. For instance, if a situation can be resolved on a one-to-one, there's no point in reporting it to your super boss.
We also face it
Barkha Kaul, model and DJ
"When I decided to become a DJ, men would routinely say, 'ladki kya bajayegi'. But I continued to have confidence in myself, and proving my mettle has helped melt their antagonism towards me."
Rohit Sharma, assistant director, My Name Is Khan
"Filmmaking is a team sport, involving everyone from the biggest film star to the spot boy. My dilemma was between trying to stay creative and finding time to work out team dynamics. Self-belief, good organisational skills and resolving issues before they get blown out of proportion are
my mantras."
Know your rights
Don't hesitate to speak up in a critical situation when you know you are right. (Though) It is always best to try solving a case within the organisation.
They went against the popular vote
I needed two months' leave as I had a medical problem. I suggested my boss hire someone else in my absence as it was an important project. My leave was sanctioned and my boss suggested I work double shifts to complete the work.
In my previous company, my immediate boss would often yell at me. When things started getting out of control, I complained about him to my superiors. That's when my colleagues got the courage to speak out against him too. He was soon set right.
