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July 17, 2007 By Liza Lowery Massey
Myth #4: Blondes are dumb. While not necessarily a myth about gender, I had to throw this one in. My experience is that you have the edge when others make these types of assumptions. Don't bother to correct them, just take advantage of the situation when your abilities are being underestimated and blow right by them.
What else works? When asked, I offer a few other general pieces of advice.
First, a sense of humor, especially the ability to laugh at oneself, is indispensable.
Second, know yourself, both your strengths and weaknesses. Use your strengths and hire for your weaknesses.
Be a risk taker - take the job no one has ever done or others don't want.
Finally, believe in others. Look for the diamond in the rough, and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how often people will rise to your expectations.
Remember, the upside of being a woman in a male-dominated profession - no lines for the ladies rooms!
Biography:
Liza Lowery Massey served in the public sector nearly 20 years as an IT executive before leaving to establish The CIO Collaborative to provide public-sector research, benchmarking and consulting services. In addition, Massey is an adjunct professor in the College of Business for the Executive MBA program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Massey's work in the public sector includes stints as CIO of Los Angeles and as executive director of San Francisco's Department of Telecommunications and Information Services. In 2004, she was recognized nationally in the Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers of IT in Government Technology magazine.
You may use or reference this story with attribution and a link to
http://www.govtech.com/policy-management/Whats-a-Girl-to-Do.html
Thanks Liza! I''''ve been in IT for 20+ years, and have learned to work well with men except being able to promote myself. Thanks for the reminder to keep my head up and make sure people recognize my accomplishments. I would appreciate any other advice, or perhaps a recommended book. I''''ve found that rising up in IT as a woman has 2 big challenges for me -- not only the gender issue -- but also the "nerd" issue. How did you become so "human?"
Thanks for a great article, Liza. It is quite inspiring. Most of all, thanks for being real about what it takes to be a woman working in male-dominated fields and rising through the ranks. I wish you continued success.
With 30 years in technology, 20 of which as an IT Manager in local government, Liza's advice rings true. I learned the most from watching others - good and bad. I was fortunate to have some fabulous male and female mentors. That were able to help me leverage my strengths and fill in the missing pieces to be successful in a male dominated field. I learned speaking up and promoting what you want is essential. This was probably the best tip I got and one of the hardest to do after having been raised that good work will be noticed.