- Hello Customer - Log in or Register!
by Becky DeStigter
As an American woman, I think it's easy to forget that in many parts of the world my gender is professionally discounted. Women have come so far in many countries that it almost seems below our dignity to bring up this topic. Equity in the work place should be a non-issue by now, shouldn't it? And when something is said or done in another country that reminds us of our diminished role, we're often shocked and outraged.
Women in business experience this issue on every continent. It can be blatant, like someone telling you that you don't know anything or they want to work with your male counterpart. Or it can subtle, like being excluded from a key meeting that requires passage through a men's locker room. In my own experience, I've been told literally to "get back in your place, Girl." We probably disagreed about where that place exactly would be. While it is frustrating when it's happening, oftentimes the international business relationship is too important to abandon because of differing views on gender roles.
So here's my advice on how to tackle this tricky situation:
It's Cultural, Not Personal
If you're the only woman on the team, you may feel singled out in your indignity. You may even see women in-country accepting this lesser status. Keep in mind that even in the U.S. gender status has been evolving. Only one generation ago American women were given a small set of acceptable career options (before motherhood, of course): teacher, nurse, secretary and beautician. Even within those fields, no one assumed a woman would become school superintendent, physician, company executive or business owner. Getting sent for coffee may feel like something out of a 1950's movie. Showing your frustration will not help your situation. It will make you appear hostile and irrational.
Don't Let Yourself Get Pushed Out
A friend went on a trade mission to Mexico recently. She quickly realized that the men she was meeting in-country weren't as comfortable interacting with her as a female in their industry. So they ignored her at first. My friend stood up, went over and joined the conversations until finally they realized that she wasn't going away or accepting social exile. She never talked about it directly, but her professional assertiveness showed them that she meant business. They eventually gave up and included her.
Clue in Your Colleagues
If you are the only woman in your traveling team, your male colleagues may not notice cultural attempts to downgrade your professional status. It is often subtle. Before taking the trip to Asia, Africa, Latin America and parts of Europe, you may want to give them an informal notice about what would help you maintain your status. For instance, if you are being ignored a colleague can help bring you back into the conversation. A colleague can ask for your advice in front of others. This helps to convey inclusion and the value you bring to your team.
Use Non-Verbal Status Cues
Business cultures that are more likely to discount a woman's status are the same cultures with more hierarchy and formality in business. You can use this to your advantage. In Thailand, for instance, a visiting business team walks into a room in descending order of importance with the team leader going first. This helps your Thai counterparts to understand where you fit into your team's pecking order. Also, Americans typically prefer being called by their first name. In more formal business cultures, using Ms. and your last name can elevate your status. It's not unusual to be called by a higher title such as president, doctor, director, etc. If your title is a strong one, then use it to help anchor your status.
Status Letter from Your Boss
If all else fails have a letter ready from the president of your company or another high-ranking executive. The letter should state your title, your role and why you are important to the company. Sometimes seeing your status in written form can make it better understood, clearing the way for business. I hope you found this information helpful to doing business internationally. Global markets present many opportunities so long as you can navigate through cultural challenges.
| Product Model | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Thickness |
| 7217ADT NSK | 85 | 150 | 28 |
| 7017CDT NSK | 85 | 130 | 22 |