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Point of
View
WOMEN AND CAREER:
BECOMING THE BOSS
Women’s roles have always been divided,
or in any case seen as such: but in the past they were only two,
the whore and the Madonna. Today we have added another one, the
autonomous woman who works, loves her work and is successful. It’s
a role that interests only us: if we relinquished it, men, also
the men in our life (not all perhaps, but the majority) would be
happy. Still? Yes, still.
Natalia Aspesi. Il Venerdì di Repubblica. 30 May 2003
In Italy in 2001
there was the lowest employment rate of the European Community,
41,11%. For the same position, if a man earns 100,
a woman earns 83. Italian women managers are only
4%. Feminine presence in parliament is 9,8%, the last
but one in Europe; in the world, Italy has a position superior to
India (8,8), to Japan (7,3), to Morocco (0,6),
but is passed by Colombia (11,8), United States (14),
China (21,8), Norway (35,8).
A study commissioned in 2001 by the American Cosmetic, Toiletry,
and Fragrance Association revealed that 69% of people
believes that clothes, makeup and hair are extremely important for
a woman to make a good impression on the workplace. 84% believes
that appearance influences the possibility of been entrusted with
representing the company in outside meetings, 76% believes
that it influences her credibility (if she will be taken
seriously), 74% if she will be asked to participate to high
level meetings with the management, and 64% if she will be
considered for a promotion or an increase in salary.
91% believes that it’s important to have a controlled
and clean hairstyle and 82% she must have a light makeup
on the workplace. 81% believes that casual clothing
and heavy makeup have to be avoided on the workplace, especially
the first day.
There are very
few women in the world who are in the boardroom suite, also because
there are still very few men who willingly accept to be ordered
around by a woman. In the majority of companies, the usual boss
is a man. It is rare that a woman is chosen to become the boss from
a group where there are men with the same qualifications. The reasons
are several. Among these there is maternity: women who decide to
have children put their career at risk. A recent survey determined
that eighty percent of executive women did not have children.
Even all those elements which are perceived as frivolous
or not reliable, do not help to make career advances. For
the moment, for making advances in their career, women must not
only have the necessary competence, but also the right image.
The
woman who is a director of a company must be firm, resolute, strong-willed
and honest, and her look must, in quality and level, be as rigorous
as that of a man. At this level, she must know how to manage her
professional image perfectly. We cannot help you to acquire the
required qualifications, but can certainly help you to create a
look that assists you in breaking through the glass ceiling.
•
At the highest level, the quality of the image is fundamental.
Learn to recognize it and be prepared to pay for it.
• Be prepared
to spend at least 1 month and half/2 months of your salary
every year to maintain a good wardrobe.
• Unless
you are in a creative sector – fashion, magazines, publicity, television,
cinema, etc. – the suit is better than dresses, because dresses
are not as strong.
• Get used
to wear and buy dark and neutral colors because they project
more authority.
• Never
buy imitations of designer brands and fake accessories. The
subtle luxury of established brands defines the quality. Hermès,
Armani, YSL, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, but also on a lower level
Emporio, Max Mara, La Perla, Burberry’s. Consider that the classics
last in time and you have to take into account the price in terms
of image and life span. You can spice up the neutrality of classic
clothes with intelligent fashion touches through the accessories.
• For business
dinners and receptions at night, maintain a sober style
– you are still working. More skin
you show, more power you loose. Company
entertainment means to do public relations with colleagues and clients
of the firm.
• When
you speak in public your image must be different according
to the number of people. If, at a meeting, you speak to 10 people
– you are therefore near your public – too much color could be overwhelming.
In this case it would be better a suit of neutral color enlivened
by a colored shirt which will operate as a spot for the face. If,
on the contrary, you speak to 100 people your presentation
becomes “theater”, distances are bigger and you need to make
an impact. A grey or navy suit will not make you stand out; even
big prints are not advised, because they distract. For this occasion
you can use one of the bright colors of your palette. Avoid tight
jackets and gowns; avoid high heels.
• Choose
a fresh and delicate fragrance. If the fragrance is too strong
it will be perceived as a barrier.
• Be attractive.
Dedicate some time to makeup and hair. Don’t do severe
haircuts (even if comfortable) and don’t go without any makeup.
You don’t have to resemble to a man. Your male colleagues will appreciate
you more if your look is feminine without exaggerating.
• Go regularly
to the hairdresser, beautician, and dentist for beauty treatments.
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