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Joining a male-dominated industry, like engineering, computer science or construction trades, can be intimidating. So can working in a predominantly male office. Women often struggle to figure out how to gain respect from male colleagues. It's imperative to establish yourself as an intelligent, no-nonsense employee. Here are some ways to navigate a mostly male office.
-- Make sure women are valued. Before joining a firm in a male-dominated industry, make sure the company values and promotes women. Check to see if women are represented on the board and in leadership positions at the company, says Betty Spence, president of the National Association for Female Executives, a women's business association in New York. During the interview process, consider asking to speak with female employees to get their input and contact human resources to ask about policies like maternity leave.
-- Identify alpha and beta males. Separate the two types of men in the office and engage accordingly, says Christopher Flett, founder of Ghost CEO, a professional development program for women. Alpha males have a 'get it done' mind-set, so when speaking to an alpha co-worker, use 'goal-oriented' language and get to the point quickly, says Mr. Flett. Beta males are more concerned with collaboration and partnership, so tailor your language accordingly.
-- Find a mentor. Look for a female employee at your company to mentor you. She can provide you with a built-in support system and can help you figure out the lay of the land, says Raylie Dunkel, an executive coach and director of development with the Women's Leadership Exchange. If you can't find someone in the company, join a professional organization and build connections there. Mentors with direct experience in a male-dominated workplace can offer invaluable advice to navigating tricky situations.
-- Speak assertively. Eliminate the phrase 'I'm sorry' from your vocabulary, unless it's truly warranted. Women tend to apologize for situations that they aren't responsible for, which demonstrates weakness, says Ms. Spence. Don't begin sentences with the phrase 'I think,' as it demeans what you're saying, says Ms. Dunkel. Take a cue from your male co-workers and be direct and confident. Practice removing any traces of tentativeness from your vocabulary and be declarative when you speak.
-- Socialize with the boys. It may feel like you're crashing a fraternity party, but make your best effort to socialize with your male co-workers in formal and informal situations. Whether it's tagging along for lunch or drinks after work, important information is exchanged informally; being there to hear it may benefit your career, says Ms. Spence. If you find yourself being left out, organize your own events, says Ms. Dunkel. Consider joining the company-sponsored softball team or other activities.
-- Don't assume stereotypical roles. Women are naturally nurturing and it's something you shouldn't be afraid to show at work. However, be careful to not appear servile. Ms. Spence says never clean up after your co-workers or bring coffee to meetings -- you'll run the risk of being stereotyped and taken advantage of.
对于一名女性来说，在诸如工程、电脑、建筑等男性主导的行业就职难免会有些战战兢兢，而在一个大部分都是男性同事的办公室工作也是如此。女性常常绞尽脑汁也想不出如何才能得到男同事的敬重。给自己塑造一个勤奋、严肃的形像是必须的，除此之外，我们对如何在以男同事为主的办公室里生存还有以下一些建议。
确认女性的价值能得到尊重。在加入一个以男性为主的行业之前，必须确认这家公司尊重并鼓励女性的参与。总部位于纽约的全美女性管理人员协会(National Association for Female Executives)主席斯宾塞(Betty Spence)说，可以看看公司董事会和管理层里是否有女性。去公司面试时可以考虑提出跟公司里的女性员工交谈，搜集她们的反馈，并接触人力资源部门询问有关产假等方面的政策。
对两类男性区别对待。女性职业发展项目Ghost CEO创始人弗莱特(Christopher Flett)说，要对办公室里的两类男性区别对待。A类男性喜欢采取行动实现目标，跟这类男性说话的时候，可采用“目标驱动型”语言，开门见山。弗莱特说，B类男性更关注合作和伙伴关系，因此你可以针对性地选择表达方式。
找一位导师。在公司里物色一位女同事为你提供指导意见。Women's Leadership Exchange职业发展部主任兼培训老师邓克尔(Raylie Dunkel)说，她能为你提供“贴身”支持，帮助你认清情况。如果在公司里找不到这样的人，可以加入职业机构并在那里发展这类关系。一位在男性主导的工作环境中有亲身经验的导师所提供的意见将会是无价之宝。
讲话要果断。别老说“很抱歉”之类的话，除非有十足的理由。女性常常会对并非她们造成的情况道歉，斯宾塞说，这显出她们的软弱。邓克尔则认为，说话的时候不要用“我认为”开头，因为这会减弱你所讲内容的份量。参考一下你的男同事的语言特点，自己在讲话时更直接、更有自信。练习在讲话时去掉那些显示不太有把握的词汇，试着更明确、干脆。
多与男性交往。你可能会有好像破坏了男性聚会的感觉，但你该尽最大努力在正式或非正式场合跟男同事交往。斯宾塞说，不论是一起吃午餐还是工作结束后一起来点咖啡，在这些非正式场合也会有重要的信息交流，参与进去、听听这些或许对你的职业发展有好处。邓克尔说，如果你发现自己被忽略了，你可以自己组织这类活动�？梢钥悸遣渭庸局靼斓睦萸蚨踊蚱渌疃�。
不要扮演固有的老套角色。女性天生有母性的一面，你不必担心在工作中会显露这一点。不过，要注意的是不要表现得卑躬屈膝。斯宾塞说，不要跟在同事后面清理乱摊子，或是往会议室里送咖啡，否则，你有可能给别人留下这种固定印象，长此以往，会被一些人“占便宜”。
