Photo: wenb.org.uk

We wrote earlier about our 360 degree approach to networking, and right after hitting the “Publish” button, started asking ourselves why, despite all our emotional intelligence and social skills, women’s networks are still lagging behind…And this is especially true when it comes to Black and minority women’s networks. Although there certainly is an array of historical, as well as socio-economic reasons for this, there are also some popular myths and realities alike put there as to why women are less effective at networking than… their male counterparts, or just about everybody else for that matter:

• As women, we tend feel comfortable in our own circles. Hence, the “clicky” reputation we often have in the workplace, whether justified or not. Many of us are creatures of habit who thrive in familiar contexts. Yet, we also know how to rise to the challenge when needed, and although this popular view of women may be justified in some cases, in many others all that is needed is some unfamiliar, challenging situation coupled with a strong desire to produce results, and we may feel perfectly at ease in the most foreign of settings;
• As women, we don’t like to ask favors! Especially for us Black and minority women, in part due to our innate resilience born from a history of struggles, it can be hard to reach across the table and ask for assistance. It is well-known that “the worse a Black woman is doing, the better she looks.” And it is precisely because of this ingrown resilience and tough skin we’ve learned to live in, that we project this image that we have to admit, we also tend to live up to more often than not…just sayin’….
• As women, we are not too big on talking about ourselves! As much as we achieve in all the various areas of our lives, one particular area that we are not particularly good at displaying is the ability to talk about ourselves…in big, bold, bright terms, that is! Whether out of excessive humility, or out of sheer lack of appreciation for our own achievements, many times it comes easier to you to downplay our successes rather than showcasing our strengths and talents. And since a big part of networking is basically selling yourself (without looking like you are selling yourself), it often appears that we actually may be selling ourselves pretty short on this one….

Would you agree that women are perceived as being less effective at networking, and is this perception accurate?

The Corporate Sister.