The contemporary corporate world is being increasingly penetrated by women and finding female bosses has become quite common.
Some men seem to find it highly challenging to work with a female boss. The following tips are geared towards resolving such apprehensions in an easier way:
Let Her Know That You Get Her Perspective
For starters, you need to understand that women managers have usually had it rather tough. There might be the few exceptions of women who were easily allowed into the top hierarchy but usually most women have had to sacrifice and bear a lot to attain such profiles. You can use this fact to your advantage. Try to sympathize periodically, not often, about issues such as how women struggle to achieve a deserving pedestal at workplaces and even in their own household. This can help you to strike the chord of sympathy in your female boss. You can go to the extent of cribbing a bit about the corporate world being un-adjusting and cruel to hardworking women. Expressing such opinions is most likely to make your boss think that you understand her perspective.
Nurture Your Way Into Her Books
Most women have a very palpable nurturing side that is often referred to as their ‘maternal instincts’. You can make yourself being liked by your female boss if you can tap into this sensibility of hers. This means trying the puppy face pout every now and then to project yourself as someone in dire need of compassion. Women like to be acknowledged for their emotional support so never forget to thank her repeatedly for having “helped” you out an emotional fiasco.
Play The Tune Of Her Weakness
If you find it challenging to genuinely like your boss, you need to at least act in a manner that exudes a feeling of appreciation. Rather than complimenting her on the obvious things like a new dress or a recently tried hairdo, observe her weaknesses and try to praise her for the same. If she is desperately trying to lose weight but cannot resist chocolates, tell her that chocolates are a cruel joke from God and are meant to torture people, particularly those who are “sincerely” trying to lose weight.
Seek Her Advice Even If You Don’t Need It
This might sound be too manipulative but you shouldn’t feel guilty of doing so since it poses no harm. Women are naturally inclined to having an opinion on most things. Topics where most women believe that they possess the best judgment include fashion, hair, home décor, health tips and grooming. Keep a note of these topics and often, seek your boss’ advice on the same. Listen to her opinion, don’t argue and make it seem as if her advice helped a lot.
Decode Whether She Is Networked Or Not & Play Accordingly
While women usually have a sense of sisterhood, those working in the corporate world are usually competitive, each one more likely to be jealous of the other, since premium, female-oriented profiles are restricted. Thus, women bosses are least likely to have a group or pool of friends (non-networked). Tap into this weakness of her by being her friend, accomplice and her confidant. If she has somehow managed to sustain a close-knit group of friends (networked lady bosses), ensure that you develop some degree of friendship with the members involved. This is vital since many women are likely to sketch observations about people based upon how her group perceives that individual.