Seriously! I ended up on a Miss Universe pageant stage. Anyone who knows me from the days 
of my young adulthood will probably find this hysterical, as I was more likely to be found in climbing or ski boots than in a pair of heels.
How did this happen? As part of Dunedin Toastmasters I was asked to help the Miss Otago contestants work on impromptu speaking. One question I was asked was what advice would I give to a woman entering the corporate world?
There were three lessons that I wish someone had told me early on:
1. Thanks to working in rail I learnt about a magic word that can be used if you are faced with dodgy behaviour from your peers. Rather than getting argumentative, simply smile sweetly and say “inappropriate”. If the behaviour continues say “very inappropriate”. You will find that whatever is happening will then be shut down by another member of the group.
2. If you choose to work in a male dominated environment, you will always have to “Earn the Right” to be where you are. Rather than telling people about your qualifications and experience you need to let your actions speak for you. If this doesn’t work, find a sponsor and make sure everyone knows that you have back up. Going solo on a personal crusade is never going to work.
3. If you are high achiever and do really well, there will be a time when someone who is supposed to be your manager, mentor or coach will create drama about you or something you are doing. This may have nothing to do with you. It is really about someone else’s ego issues or personal insecurity. A wise friend of mine once advised me to always stay out of the drama. Like anything, if you don’t feed it, it won’t grow, so make sure your actions don’t feed the drama.
It’s up to you to get in the driving seat and take control of your career. No one else is going to make it happen. Understand what your strengths are, why you want to pursue your chosen career path and surround yourself with your own cheerleading network.
For more recruitment and careers guidance tips got to www.employmenow.co.nz.
