Working in an all-female team for a man. How can a girl survive in a male team? What is the difference between a male team and a female or mixed team?

It is generally accepted that it is very easy and pleasant for women to work in a male team: men supposedly happily take on some of the responsibilities, act like gentlemen and pay a lot of attention to the girl. Representatives of the fair sex even believe that the female team is a den of snakes, and choose places of work where there are more men. However, is everything so rosy? What to do if you have to become a “new girl” in a male circle?

How to behave on your first day of work?

• First impression, as is known, builds a reputation for many years. You shouldn't think that men aren't inclined to look at the details of your appearance - of course, they will study a colleague with interest. Indeed, their gaze is not as intent as a woman’s, but this does not mean that they will forgive you for an unkempt appearance.
  

  ADVICE! When choosing an outfit for your first day at work, give preference to more businesslike and formal things. Clothing shouldn't turn you into a blue stocking, but you don't need to demonstrate femininity and sensuality - this is not a date.

  If you want to be treated seriously, avoid flirtatiousness and vulgarity. Avoid bright makeup. You may have a subconscious desire to please men, but remember that you are at work.

• Be confident. As a rule, the new employee is introduced to the team on the first day by the boss, so it will be a little easier for you. Act as if you are not worried at all. Be sure to say hello, smile, and introduce yourself again if someone forgets your name.
• Your behavior should be friendly but neutral. You should not focus on the fact that you are a woman: do without demonstrating your “weakness”. Workers and business relationships will only suffer from this. Don't expect any concessions because you belong to a different gender - your colleagues will constantly experience inconvenience because of this. But don’t overdo it with harsh behavior. Otherwise, you will be perceived as the new “man.” In short, you need to find a middle ground.
• If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask. Men rarely refuse help; they like to explain and show their professionalism. In this case, it will only benefit you.
• Don't hide your potential and don't be modest. Colleagues are curious about where you came from? Tell us a little about your previous victories. Very important from day one.

Pros of working as a woman among men

Disadvantages of being in a male team

Useful video

In short, working in a male team for a woman is not always easy or fun. It is not easy to describe all the nuances in one article. However, there is large number examples where a representative of the fair sex quite managed to take root in such a social group.

Working in a male team at first glance may seem like a paradise for many women, especially unmarried ones. However, succumbing to temporary euphoria, you can make mistakes for a long time make yourself an outcast in the kingdom of the great Y chromosome.

In a male team, you will have to think through your image, manner of communication and goals for this work in advance. Who do you want to be? An equal colleague who will differ from everyone else only in some external signs, or remain a woman in at least some matters? Do you want to establish a close relationship with someone or do you value work more and being a professional is more important to you?

You need to know your position very clearly and always adhere to it. Men are inherently direct and understand only this kind of language. To ensure that your colleagues understand your message, you should present yourself without double entendres and always stick to your chosen image, without exception. Let's talk about this in more detail.

9 mistakes women make in men's teams:

1. “Would you like to buy the lady some coffee?”

By default, we will assume that you need a job, not a relationship. Therefore, flirting is unacceptable under any circumstances. Watch your behavior, including at informal events. After all, they are often the source of gossip and can form the wrong opinion about you. Remember that flirting is not always conscious, and your attentions to men, even without a second thought, can be perceived by them incorrectly.

Avoid unnecessary physical contact and do not touch on personal topics when communicating (instead of complimenting a man’s strong arms or toned torso, it is better to limit himself to a compliment about his tie or, even better, his business qualities).

Yulia, 26 years old: “For a year and a half I worked in an all-male team financial director. The company was engaged in the supply of large industrial equipment. In general, not the best women's work. Since childhood, it has been easier for me to communicate with men than with women. I always find it easy with them common language and at work everything worked out very smoothly. When I got a man, things started to get worse. And only he managed to open my eyes to my behavior.

It was quite normal for me to grab a colleague’s arm and, joking and smiling, discuss a work issue. Sometimes I used all sorts of feminine tricks, a little coquetry, but not on purpose! This is natural for me, and I did not pursue any goals! My man said that in this way I was giving everyone false hopes, loans for something closer, that all men always perceive it this way. And when the team saw my man, everything changed.

I was surprised, I didn’t even think that behavior that was innocent for me could be perceived this way by men.”

Working in a male team

2. “I like working with you more”

When the team is diverse, it is normal that we communicate with some more and with others less. But now the situation is different, there are all of them and there is you. Remember that a man will always be closer to a man, no matter how great a colleague you are. Therefore, try to behave impartially.

Even in the most intense disputes, do not discuss sides, do not accept anyone’s point of view. Let your position always be only the interests of the company. The management will appreciate this and will protect you from unnecessary coalitions. It is unknown who your friend will turn out to be tomorrow and how the enemy will behave. If you are caught in some kind of intrigue or dishonest behavior, men will not forgive you for this and will stop trusting you.

3. “Well, forgive me, I’m a woman.”

Usually those for whom the male team is a gift from heaven try to show all their feminine qualities and charms. But this position almost always remains unappreciated by men.

Don’t get too carried away with emphasizing the advantages of your body; firstly, it distracts from work, and secondly, it’s unprofessional. You should also not attribute your mistakes to the fact that you are a “woman”, “blonde”, “so forgetful” and in general spring has driven you crazy. Stay in business matters a business partner, albeit in a skirt and makeup.

In your free time, also try not to bother the men around you too much with various “female things”: nail polish that greatly irritates many, loud discussions on the phone about sales, people, and so on. There is a time and place for everything.

4. “Thank you, but I can handle it myself.”

“If it’s better for me not to emphasize the fact that I am a woman, then I will behave like a man” - some women adhere to this categorical logic when they join a male team. But it doesn't work, just like any other extreme. You need to find a balance between what you should do yourself (this is written in your job descriptions), and what you can ask a man for help with (move heavy folders or fix a lamp).

Working in a male team

Remember that you should only ask for help in matters that you really cannot handle on your own, otherwise it may be perceived as flirting. Bringing coffee or “making some tea” is coquetry, but opening a jammed lock is a completely normal request.

If you do everything yourself, men will perceive you as a competitor. And fighting them on their territory is an option with a low probability of victory. For what?

Andrey, 39 years old: “I work in an advertising agency, for some reason we have always had few women, perhaps in the accounting department, but they are not visible there. One day Alena appeared with us, she was a good designer, received decent orders, but, apparently, in fear that we - men - would take away from her good job, began to move away from us. She always answered dryly, only to the point. A robot, not a person.

I once watched a picture of her dragging 2 chairs up the stairs: she was given a new workplace. Seeing me, she pointedly turned away and continued to pull this load. I see that it’s hard, but since she doesn’t want help, let her do it herself, I decided. I even had some kind of protest inside me, well, why behave like this if there are men all around, well, really, no one will help? In general, things didn’t work out with her; no one in the team appreciated her efforts.”

5. “Help yourself to some pies”

Trying to please the male team, some women begin to bake pies and listen to complaints about their bosses or naughty children. As a result, they are no longer considered business partners and, even worse, they may begin to be used. The logic is simple: “Do you want to please me? Do this."

Leave everything traditional ways please the team and don’t try to please them at all. Take your stand, comply business ethics and do your job well. In a male team this will work better than pies.

4 more female mistakes in a male team

6. “I’m just like you.”

This is the other extreme of trying to please your male colleagues. Carefully study how Spartak played and why new model a car of one brand is worse than the old model of another, it will also be redundant.

Of course, informal communication needs to be supported in some way, and men’s topics are often not entirely clear to us. How can this be? You just need to keep abreast of world news and their descriptions. There is no need to specifically study auto and tech topics, it will look strange. But what you really have in common: discuss new fines on the road (if you are a driver) and a new computer game, which the son is interested in, will be appropriate.

Working in a male team

If a discussion has begun about the long-awaited match, you can demonstrate your awareness by saying that “they say that this was Spartak’s brightest game in recent seasons.” This information is always in all headings. And you can surprise. And perhaps even inspire further storytelling. This is where a woman’s ability to listen will come in very handy. And this will be the best conversation for a man.

7. “I’m going to cry now” or “I’ll fight back to anyone”

A woman is an emotional being, and an unstable position in a male team demonstrates this quality in the best possible way. Some, when faced with rudeness or injustice from a man at work, become offended and even begin to cry. Others try to respond with rudeness to rudeness, preferably in front of everyone, so that “everyone knows that I’m not a mistake!”

Even in relationships, men don’t really favor women’s emotionality, because they don’t know what to do with it, and at work it will definitely be superfluous. Firstly, by showing your weakness, you immediately lose any business authority in the eyes of men. And if you actively show your strength, you will be treated the same as other men. And then your weakness will reveal itself, you are still a woman.

In other words, working in a male team is a great way to learn to control your emotions outside the home. Try to speak at approximately the same volume level all the time, calmly. If you need to say something to the offender, then do it one on one, even if he allowed him to say something rude to you in front of everyone. In such cases, you can simply limit yourself to a phrase like “I will definitely answer you, but I will do it personally.” Men know how to admit their mistakes if you show a worthy approach and do not mirror incorrect behavior.

Leave emotions about a wonderful corporate event, a dress you just bought at a crazy discount, or a friend’s divorce for another, non-work environment. An increased degree of emotionality takes the smooth masculine atmosphere beyond the limits of effectiveness, which, of course, will soon irritate all your male colleagues.

8. “You should have done it differently.”

Men know better, men are smarter. This is how they think about themselves, and no one will force them to change their minds, so if you suddenly decide to give advice, criticize men or discuss their decisions, do not wait for yourself good attitude- there will be a war.

If you find yourself in a conversation where some problem is being discussed, then do not rush with the phrases “Do it”, “Call”, etc., it is better to ask your colleague what he is going to do, and then put your ideas into the wording “A what if we...", "What do you think, if we do this, then...". If your idea is valuable, then men will definitely remember it and will continue to listen to you.

Working in a male team

But if you give advice to men left and right, then due to the peculiarities of their psychology, men will prefer not to use it, no matter how valuable it may be. This is not harmful, as it sometimes seems to us, but simply a natural feature. Men will not give up their championship.

9. "Let's talk!"

Psychologists have calculated that a woman needs to pronounce three times more words per day than a man (21 thousand versus 7). Therefore, men talk more to the point, and all “thinking about...” usually remains only in the head. Therefore, when tuning into the excitement of working in a male team, take this feature into account and speak only to the point.

Before you propose anything, think it through, answer questions that may be asked of you in advance, and speak out loud only clear conclusions. Avoid unnecessary discussions, speak only on the issue at hand.

If you have something to offer on a related topic, write it down and bring it up for discussion later. If you explain something to a man for a long time, then after a minute he will lose interest in it, and after 2 minutes he will begin to get irritated because “many words, little action” and will not understand what action you expect from him.

Indicate the purpose of your conversation if you are addressing a man. “Just so you know: the cargo will only arrive the day after tomorrow” - the man knows that no action is required, he has memorized the information. “Call the suppliers in an hour, please, I can’t because the boss gave me the task of going on business” - the man understands what he needs to do and why you can’t do it yourself.

At first glance, it may seem that a woman working in a male team is constantly protected by the stronger sex, pampered with compliments, pampered and cherished. In fact, life is not so sweet for the ladies in this case.

How does a men's team differ from a women's team?

In the first case, relations develop according to a simpler and more transparent scenario. Women's groups are often identified with terrariums, since professional relationships between women are usually built against the backdrop of pronounced emotions - the causes of envy, gossip, hypocrisy, hidden hostility and confrontation.

The same cannot be said about men's groups. Although, they are also characterized by their own specifics, which are not taken into account by women planning to settle in a male team. Therefore, the stereotype about a fabulous job quickly breaks down into reality, where the stronger sex is not so nice and courteous with the only girl.

After getting a job, she faces some difficulties that arise due to the need to adapt to a new team. Therefore, we decided to introduce you to tricks that will help you get along in a male team and determine the optimal strategy for behavior among men.

So, how can a woman present herself in the right light to colleagues of the opposite sex? Here are some practical tips.

How to get into the right mood for work and behave with colleagues?

Get rid of illusions

Forget that men will treat you like a crystal vase. Of course, you shouldn’t be completely pessimistic. However, there is no need to expect constant signs of attention, help and the desire to please in everything. Men are alone at work, but on dates and in the family they are completely different. Here they are, first of all, specialists and professionals, each of whom strives to become a leader and assert themselves. Through their career they try to realize themselves and for this reason they are always tense. Accordingly, they view a woman as a colleague and employee and nothing more. Therefore, when applying for a job in a male team, protect yourself from the illusion that someone will treat you as an object of courtship and romantic feelings.

No flirting

Leave aside coquetry and attempts to manipulate male colleagues. It doesn't work, and at worst it causes frivolous jokes from men. Imagine how this can ruin your already harsh work routine. Take care of your reputation. Personal topics and requests, ambiguous remarks, as well as random touches are taboo. As life shows, office romances, as a rule, do not end well.

Dress correctly

At the very least, overly pretentious or extravagant outfits are inappropriate at work. Take a closer look at the style in which your colleagues of the opposite sex dress. If formal suits are a priority among your colleagues, then get yourself a similar uniform; if a free style predominates, then you too should follow it. Bright makeup, miniskirts, deep necklines, too tight clothes, and too strong perfume are unacceptable. It is important not to stand out from the rest of the staff, as otherwise men will think that you are trying to attract attention in this way. Of course, in enterprises where there is a dress code or a uniform uniform, there is a problem the right choice clothing is decided by itself.

Don't show your emotions

Men, compared to women, are more stingy in expressing their emotions. Therefore, they will understand tears, complaints about domestic problems... This is especially true for extreme situations, when maximum concentration and rationality are required from you. A woman who is hysterical will never be perceived by the stronger sex as a qualified specialist. It should be noted that women usually show the greatest emotionality in response to rudeness and attempts to offend them from men. Of course, the more subtle psychological structure of women’s psyches is to blame. Therefore, it can be extremely difficult not to respond to the offender. But it's still worth trying. If someone raises their voice at you or insults you, react as calmly as possible: answer clearly and confidently. Under no circumstances should you show that this has thrown you off your emotional balance.

Don't quarrel men and don't divide them into groups

Sometimes women in a male team try to create a kind of coalition around themselves from colleagues they like. The main purpose of this is to gain some support in the team. After this, as a rule, they make an unforgivable mistake - they turn their environment against the rest. Of course, this cannot be done without feminine tricks. However, in most cases, men quickly reveal such a plan and all together take up arms against the instigator of discord. It is very difficult to restore relationships with at least some of your colleagues after this.

Don't play mommy

A common strategy for a woman’s behavior in a male team is to look after her colleagues. Trying to please them, representatives of the fairer sex begin to pamper their colleagues every day with a variety of culinary delights. Even if there are several fans of your culinary masterpieces, you will not become more than a colleague for them. At best, you will be considered a good housewife.

Stop trying to make friends with coworkers

Of course, this does not mean that you need to walk around gloomily and not talk to anyone. Just focus on friendly business relationships, and not on revelations about your personal life and intimate conversations over a cup of coffee. You should not expect that people will gossip with you, share secrets and discuss colleagues. In men's groups they really don't like this.

Remember, your main goal is to make it clear to your male colleagues that you are no less a competent specialist than them and are also worthy of respect. Most likely, you will have a hard time, but, as you know, everything is possible in this life. Just set your priorities right.

The only woman in a male team... Many ladies secretly dream about this. She is surrounded by attention, she is showered with compliments, she is given all sorts of concessions. This is great! Or not?

It is believed that it is easier for a woman to work in a male team. There is no gossip, no difficult situations associated with envy. But in every case there is a second side to the coin.

A woman in a male team must be prepared for heavy workloads. This is due to the fact that men manage to do one and a half times more things in a day, and can complete 75% of overtime work. The woman will have to keep up with them. And you need to understand that when working among men, she is subject to close attention. It should also be remembered that work comes first for men. They don’t waste time chatting; all conversations on the phone are focused on work topics. Women sometimes like to chat about this and that: children, family, new clothes…. This is how women usually relieve tension accumulated during the working day.

Do not forget that a woman who works among men is closely monitored. At first it can be pleasant, you get pleasure from catching interested male glances on yourself, and feeling like a goddess. But you should start office romance or even just think about it, start flirting with someone from the team, then you will understand how men can gossip and joke evilly. Therefore, you still shouldn’t practice affairs with colleagues, don’t flirt with anyone, give up coquetry.

Also, do not try to join the male team from the first days of work. They sense falsehood very well. You should not give advice or discuss your personal life. Be natural, devote more time to work, if you are in a bad mood, try to control your emotions, and then success will await you.

It is better to choose a business style of clothing. Don't try to impress your colleagues with your curves in a miniskirt or dress with an open neckline. It will look out of place in a work environment. Stylish business suit, a skirt of acceptable length is what you need.

Yes, you are the only one they have. They value you, look after you, and show gallantry. But a male colleague is still more likely to climb the career ladder, not you. This is explained by the fact that gender stereotypes are triggered that it is more common for a woman to create home comfort and raise children than to achieve career heights. All this, of course, is prejudice. But, unfortunately, they still live in modern groups. Therefore, if you want to show yourself as a highly qualified specialist, then you need to be prepared for the fact that you will have to defend your rights and prove that women, on an equal basis with men, can occupy high positions and feel great there.

In a male team, it is sometimes difficult to remain feminine. This happens because the lady unconsciously begins to copy the behavior of her colleagues, since she has to spend a lot of time together. The woman begins to speak a tone lower, walk wider, laugh louder. Over time, you will begin to understand which tires are better to drive on, which motor oil is better... And perhaps this will be useful to you.

It turns out that being the only woman in a male team is not so easy. But a woman can always find her advantages in everything, the main thing is to want to. Over time, you will get used to each other and begin to understand your colleagues better. In this situation, it is important to remain feminine, look good, and not become “your guy.” Then the attitude of men towards you will remain gallant and polite, and they will value and respect you as a valuable colleague and a pretty woman.

Working in a male team seems difficult to those who have never worked in one. Of course, this does not mean that all employees are just waiting for a female colleague to appear. However, joining a male team and proving yourself to be a competitive employee is no more difficult than joining a female team. Here are a few useful tips, which our editors prepared together with Alina Reizelman, an entrepreneur, business expert and author of a unique methodology for increasing productivity and efficiency.

What to avoid in a men's group

When applying for a job, keep in mind: for successful integration into the team, you need to think through your image and behavior down to the smallest detail. Appearance, demeanor, time management, speech and habits should emphasize the seriousness of your intentions.

Avoid the following mistakes:

1. Provocative clothing

Give up your neckline short skirts, deep slits, bright clothes, tight dresses, high heels, fabrics through which linen or its contours are visible.

2. Bright makeup or its complete absence

Bright makeup makes it clear that you want to be the center of attention. A complete absence of makeup will create the image of a gray mouse or a self-confident bitch - it depends on the professional competence of the employee. In both cases you will be shunned.

3. Emotions

No emotions. In a male group, only a light, friendly smile without a hint of ridicule or flirting is acceptable. Yelling, swearing, raising your voice, expressing irritation, violent joy, or compassion is unacceptable. Under no circumstances should you shed tears, walk around with a sad look, have your head in the clouds and withdraw into yourself.

4. Gesticulation and facial expressions

Avoid unnecessary gestures. You should not actively wave your arms, show indecent gestures, make ambiguous touches, grimace or express feelings through facial expressions.

5. Pretense, rudeness, rudeness

These qualities irritate colleagues of both sexes. Manners are the lot of rich housewives. Your goal is to be a professional worker. If all the men around you have rude, even boorish behavior, behave differently. You are a lady. On the other hand, don't take rudeness as a personal insult. Rudeness on your part is unacceptable. Ignore rudeness addressed to you or counter with reasoning within the framework business etiquette. Rudeness is a sign of weakness and stupidity.

6. Bad habits

Smoking cigarettes with male colleagues, drinking alcohol after work, and going on Friday binges will not make you “one of the people.” Men can't stand women who smoke and drink. Yes, there are times when the situation requires you to take a sip of strong drink, but never get drunk in front of your colleagues and smoke with them.

7. Weakness

Showing weakness is unacceptable. For men, you are a worker and a competitor, and not a muslin young lady. But if you need to move furniture, move something bulky and heavy, then it is quite acceptable to turn to men for help. On the contrary, your futile attempts to move a heavy object on your own will become a reason for caustic jokes.

8. Flirting and personal relationships

Coquetry, flirting and affairs with employees of your and competing organizations are unacceptable.

9. Demonstration of personal problems

Never tell colleagues about your personal life and family problems, and do not leave your workplace without really serious reasons.

10. Idleness and vanity

Men mess around in the workplace no less than women, but once you get into a male team, you need to forget about idleness. If you've done all the work and you really have nothing else to do, spend time studying aspects that will help you improve your professionalism. Don't make a fuss. This doesn't suit a woman.

11. Tips, notations, comments

Leave the teachings for your family. This is unacceptable in a male team.

12. Don’t snitch or gossip

Complaining about colleagues and gossip can lead to a quick dismissal.

On topic

What will help a woman withstand competition in a male team:

1. Business image

Suits with trousers men's style or with a knee-length skirt, moderate makeup, neat, styled haircut or hairstyle, 1–2 elegant jewelry from precious metals(for example, miniature earrings and a brooch), shoes with comfortable heels of medium height.

2. Naturalness

Don't try to wear a mask. Be yourself - your colleagues will appreciate it.

3. Politeness, punctuality, diligence

Smooth, polite, exclusively business-like communication with the entire team, punctuality, responsibility, 100% high-quality performance of your duties, and professionalism will quickly raise you in the eyes of the team.

4. Confidence in yourself and your professionalism

Even if you are not confident in yourself, never show it. In a male team, demonstrating uncertainty is a sign of weakness.

5. Fair fight

Fight for promotion fairly. Intrigues, lies, etc. will kill your reputation forever.

6. Dedication to the job and the team

Men, with constant professional rivalry, know how to unite into a team. If you learn to play in a team, show that the common cause is above all else for you, so you will earn respect and honor.