By So what’s an ambitious woman to do? Knowing that hospital gender politics still exist is half the battle but there are things you can do to break into the boy’s club:
1) Market yourself: The merit-based system is long gone. Get yourself in the game by boasting about your accomplishments. Find a mentor and start hobnobbing with the bigwigs.
2) Anticipate conflict: Control hazardous waterworks and outbursts by planning ahead and foreseeing confrontations. You’ll remain on guard and armed with a quick response.
3) Ask for it: Men ask for what they think they deserve. Women ask for what is reasonable. Become a force by speaking up and speaking out. The cowardly never climb the corporate ladder.
4) Know when to zip it: Prattling on to fill a silence is the hallmark of insecurity. Be clear and firm with your ideas and let your genius do the rest.
5) Stop making excuses: If your idea falls flat, don’t attempt to rationalize or offer explanations for the misstep. No one cares why you fail, they just want you to fix it. Plus, making excuses opens you up for criticism.
6) Be selfish: Sure, being the hospital “Yes Woman” colors you eager and competent, but you’ll never roll out from under the pile of busy work if you don’t look out for number one. That’s you.
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