Navigating the corporate landscape can be quite challenging for women, even in today’s modern world. Just ask any woman who shares an office with male colleagues. Despite the advancements we’ve made, studies consistently reveal that sexism remains prevalent in the workplace.
Fortunately, there’s a clever guide designed to help women tackle common instances of workplace sexism. This collection of comics, created by comedian and former office worker Jamie Lee, presents nine “non-threatening” strategies for women to adjust their leadership styles so as not to ruffle any male feathers, even when they might be just as capable as their male counterparts.
Jamie Lee is a talented writer and comedian, and her first book, “100 Tricks to Seem Smart in Meetings,” is now available. In the meantime, you can explore her humorous work, including these insightful comics on her website.
As Lee explains, “In this fast-paced business environment, female leaders need to ensure they aren’t perceived as pushy, aggressive, or overly competent. One effective strategy is to modify your leadership approach to accommodate the sometimes fragile male ego.”
Although these comics are satirical, the truth behind them is what makes them resonate so well. “I drew inspiration from my own experiences and stories from friends and coworkers,” Lee shared. “These scenarios—like downplaying your ideas or being excessively polite in emails—are situations we all encounter.”
While the comics are humorous, writing them wasn’t without its challenges. “Just the other day, I heard a woman preface a question with ‘Forgive my ignorance…’ and it made me cringe,” she noted. “I aimed to highlight the absurdity of the fact that women feel pressured to alter their communication styles to seem less intimidating.”
Ideally, women shouldn’t have to worry about being labeled bossy or overly assertive in professional settings, yet these concerns persist. Lee admits that she, too, grapples with adapting her behavior to be more agreeable to fragile male egos. “Unfortunately, I have (and still do) find myself doing this.”
For all the working women out there, Lee’s comics can serve as a valuable reminder of what we shouldn’t do at work. We should confidently excel in our roles, regardless of others’ opinions, male or female. However, if you find yourself facing persistent sexism, Lee suggests a universal strategy for navigating these challenges:
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In summary, while sexism in the workplace is a frustrating reality, humor can be a powerful tool for coping with it. Jamie Lee’s comics shine a light on the absurdity of having to navigate these challenges, encouraging women to embrace their competence without apology.