“One woman can make a difference, but together we can rock the world’’ – Anonymous.
I recall vividly, there were days when I would step into office obsessing about the challenging meetings and never ending to-do lists. All through this, one thing which gave me a sense of relief was the girl-gang I was surrounded with. While we were more than acquaintances, it gave me the freedom to discuss a few things which only another woman could understand. The solace I found in my Sisterhood @ work helped me tide over the petty anxieties of daily life.
So what makes this networking vital? The reasons could be many and varied, but for me, it was more a symbol of trust, understanding and fun. Few benefits for having a Sisterhood @ work, from my point of view:
- The Numbers game: In some industries that is dominated by Men, the number of women are far and few. There are times when one might feel their voices are drowned in corporate decision makings and other pertinent factors. It’s helpful to have a lady pal to discuss your point of view and see things from a different perspective.
Having someone to second your thoughts and ease your mind gives a glimmer of strength and confidence, whatever the situation be.
- Morale Booster: Besides catching up on professional topics, it makes it easier to have a heartfelt chat about varied topics with a friend. While there are abundant subjects to bond over, I have personally experienced that women take genuine interest in your personal life as well. Yes, I do enjoy the discussions about sports and cars, but having someone ask me about my family or my weekend is altogether a different level of satisfaction.
Also, studies shows that maintaining a network of women friends in your life boosts your psychological well-being too.
- Growth Opportunities: A person who knows you personally and professionally, your strengths and flaws, can suggest you better growth opportunities that suit your stature. In reality, while there could be a limitation owing to family constraints or other personal matters, a person with profound knowledge of the same can analyse and refer you for job openings that would balance work and life.
- Building long-lasting relationships: Some of my colleagues I met in the early stages of my career are an inseparable part of my life now. I recall spending my innocent teenage days together and going through other phases like marriage, motherhood etc., with them as my backbone.
To conclude, women networking at office forges better bonds and has an overall positive impact in all aspects of life. The care, reassurance and inspiration that one woman would receive from another is a tower of strength to face any odds or impediments. Irrespective of your designation or title, having a coffee break with someone who can understand you is a blessing. To quote what I read once “When Women support each other, incredible things happen”
You may also want to read other articles written by the author: ‘Stop limiting yourself‘, ‘Doing what you love – hobbies and passion to opportunity‘, ‘ Maximise your productivity to unleash your potential‘, ‘Be your own boss‘, ‘Broaden your intellectual horizon‘, ‘Career metamorphosis – Expert to beginner’, “Importance of networking for success in your career“, ‘Busy Day vs Productive Day‘, ‘Money matters for womens financial independence‘, ‘A new dawn in the horizon – career restart’ ‘Being overlooked for promotion‘ .
About the author:
Nithya Jagadish – I am a commerce graduate with an overall experience of 10 years in the Corporate Industry and handled diversified assignments at HSBC and Hewlett Packard. After gaining considerable knowledge and success during my tenure, I decided to focus my attention on other areas of interest. Now, a doting mother of a one year old, I spend my day reading, apprising on my topics of interest and baby-sitting.
An avid reader and poetry enthusiast, my love for writing started while at school and my dreams have borne fruits after motherhood. I strongly believe in living life to the fullest and making the most of each beautiful day.
(The author is a guest blogger at Her Second Innings. The opinions expressed are those of the author.)
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