3 Compelling Reasons To Make Friends With Women You Work With
As women in today's society, we are taught to see each other as competition rather than allies, particularly in the workplace. We already get paid less than our male counterparts and seemingly receive fewer opportunities, so in order for us to get ahead and secure our success, we have to outshine the women next to us.
On top of that, we've heard all the horror stories from our friends about workplace friendships that have gone left.
However, building connections with other women at work can create the strongest network you will have in your career, and here are three key reasons why:
1.It helps to boost your earning potential.
According to the National Women's Law Center, on average a woman makes $0.80 for every dollar a man makes. However, the pay gap is much wider for women of color. A Black woman typically make $0.61 for every dollar a white, non-Hispanic man makes, Native-American women only make $0.58 for every dollar, and Hispanic women only $0.53. Then even within the various ethnic groups, there can still be disparities in pay. Building relationships with other women at work where you can discuss compensation openly allows you to understand where your earnings rank in comparison to your counterparts, and whether or not you are being underpaid. They can also serve as allies/support when you are ready to make your case to management for increasing your salary to match theirs.
2.You learn the “unwritten rules” and which pitfalls to avoid.
When you're new to a company or a specific division, you don't have any knowledge of the culture, acceptable norms, the most difficult personalities to work with, and the overall management expectations. We all know that management may say something publicly, but anyone who's worked in corporate America can attest to the fact that women unfortunately aren't afforded the same liberties or leniency that men receive, nor are they taken as seriously. So having friends in the group can help you to gain the insight about what you may be getting yourself into and also share key advice to help you successfully navigate the new environment.
3.You develop an in-house support/motivational group!
GiphyNow this goes beyond pay equity or simply dealing with a new environment. These women can provide a listening ear and advice to help you work through challenging situations that you may be facing, as they probably have encountered something similar. They can share their subject matter expertise if you get stuck on a work task or project. In addition, should you find yourself experiencing traumatic situations, like sexual harassment or workplace bullying, these women can serve as necessary confidantes in advance of any HR discussions.
Furthermore, they can offer much-needed motivation. Whether they have achieved positions of leadership or can connect you with other women who have, you may now have the opportunity to form mentorships, where you can receive guidance on boosting your career and achieving your desired success. And when you are ready to pursue your next promotion, they can cheer you on and also serve as sounding boards to help ensure your proposal is airtight and will be received well.
Making friends with women at your workplace comes with major benefits. Outside of the above reasons, it also just makes work more fun! A coffee break or lunch date can go a long way in breaking up the workday's monotony or giving you an outlet to blow off steam.
But of course, this recommendation for creating these workplace friendships comes with a critical word of caution: While there is tremendous value in developing these relationships, it is important to note that you cannot make friends with everyone. Unfortunately, not all women have pure intentions and will gladly divulge your information if it suits their agenda or ambitions. Utilizing your power of discernment and taking time to feel out personalities prior to pursuing friendships can help to ensure that you are selecting the RIGHT women for your circle, women who are looking to help each other up instead of tear one another down.
For more information about Julia Rock, check out Rock Career Development or follow her on Instagram.
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Vivica A. Fox Gets Candid About Her Dating Life As Her 60th Birthday Approaches: ‘I’m Taking Applications’
Vivica A. Fox says she’s on the market!
During a recent appearance on Today with Hoda & Jenna, the Set It Off actress spoke candidly about her dating preferences amidst modern dating culture.
"I’m wanting to date, it’s just limited resources out there, right? Because I’m not getting on an app. I’m old-fashioned," Fox said. "I need to meet you and sparks happen because I just believe people make up stories, saying who and what they are."
The actress, 59, expressed her desire for a partner and isn’t shy about the traits she hopes her future soulmate will embody.
"When I say a partner, I want someone who’s going to be fun, who’s not intimidated by who and what I am, that likes to travel, and is gonna let me go shopping," she illustrates.
Fox continued, "I’m taking applications, so if you got a friend, I’m good. And I don’t discriminate. I’m not against different nationalities, so you can know that too. You gotta leave your options open."
With the Not Another Church Movie star’s 60-year-old birthday approaching this summer, Fox humorously reflects on how it feels to reach this milestone age. "Well, I'm not going to lie, my knees someday are like, ‘Let’s go get a little help there.’ Some shorts, or something. But I’m so comfortable in the skin I’m in."
Vivica A. Fox has had a notable dating history with high-profile relationships with rapper 50 Cent in the early 2000s and has been romantically linked to Dennis Rodman and was previously engaged to Omar "Slim" White.
Fox adds that she’s living her best “booked, busy, and blessed” life and is grateful for the fulfilling opportunities that have come to her in this chapter of her life.
"I never expected this chapter of my life to be so booked, busy, and blessed — literally in that order. I’m finally getting quality, I’m getting projects that I love doing," she says.
"I’m all about girl power and lately women have been giving me the most wonderful opportunities. ... The blessings have just kept growing, and finally, everyone’s giving me my flowers. It’s about time, and I’m taking them."
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Featured image by Carol Lee Rose/Getty Images