On equal footing

A few weeks ago San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon made NBA history by becoming the first woman to lead a team in the regular season In doing so she broke another glass ceiling by claiming leadership space in a typically maledominated sphere Although several strides have been made in recent times the glass ceiling continues to be a very pertinent reality for women across industriesBecky Hammon is the first woman to lead an NBA team in the regular season Pics CourtesyInstagram TwitterldquoThe glass ceiling is a metaphor for the evident but intangible hierarchical impediments that prevent minorities and women from achieving higher professional ranks This term was first popularised in the 1980s to describe various challenges that women face when their careers stagnate at middlemanagement roles preventing them from achieving higher leadership or executive rolesrdquo explains business mentor Sonalee Panda who has worked in senior roles in corporate banking for 20 years She and other women who have risen to leadership ranks in typically maledominated spaces share what it takes for women to achieve their true potential as leadersTwice as hardldquoThe legal space has always been male dominated In fact whenever most people picture a lawyer they instantly think of a man When I first started out I was often asked about whether I could manage the demands of my job Women are perceived as physically weak and hence unable to navigate different courts bearing heavy files in tow Men are also paid significantly more than women The types of jobs offered to women are more secretarial in naturerdquo shares Sonam Chandwani managing partner at KS Legal and AssociatesSonalee PandaShe adds that many men have refused to join her firm because of her being a woman At meetings she is questioned about whether she has a male partner who clients can speak with ldquoEven when a female lawyer is arguing at court the judge will always give more importance to the arguments made by their male counterpartsrdquo she revealsJyoti VishnaniJyoti Vishnani former executive chef at Sula Vineyards says that working as the only woman in the hospitality team often challenges the ego of her male colleagues comprising seniors and subordinates She elaborates ldquoMy male colleagues are uncomfortable with taking orders from a woman They will also continually undermine me and make it a point to step in and do my work for me even when I am perfectly capable This patronising attitude combined with sexist jokes and harassment can make the environment especially stressfulrdquoSonam ChandwaniDrawing the linegtgt Change your mindset Although being a minority at the workplace presents obvious challenges Panda says that it can also be a distinct advantage ldquoSince you are an oddity the likelihood of you being heard is more Yes you may have to speak louder and more forcefully and prepare more than men do But when you do speak up the fact that you are so unique in that club will give you attention You can use that to your advantagerdquo she explainsgtgt Network Many women think of networking as a dirty word and prefer to take the perceived higher road of letting their work speak for itself says Panda However networking is about building professional relationships through your work and by establishing a personal rapport ldquoWhile introducing a new idea if you have already spent time sharing this by networking there will be many more takers when you present it in the boardroomrdquo she maintains Take for instance Chandwani who makes time to participate in events deliver speeches and meet clients This she explains can help you to cut through the fierce competitiongtgt Speak up ldquoAs women we are conditioned into believing that modesty is a virtue Men will make their victories known and this often leads to many more doors opening up for them Never shy away from showcasing what you are doingrdquo Panda saysgtgt Establish your authority ldquoWomen tend to be more democratic leaders However in the professional context your softness can lead to your male team mistaking you for a pushover At least in the initial days demonstrate your authority pull rank if you must Once your team sees that you are not afraid of taking tough decisions they will respect yourdquo Panda explainsgtgt Donrsquot be defensive At a workplace where your gender is often used against you itrsquos easy to misconstrue even genuine feedback as sexism says Vishnani ldquoSeek a mentor for unbiased feedbackrdquo she suggests In the absence of a mentor within your organisation Panda recommends tapping into your alumni network or hiring a professional coach