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23 tweets,
6 min read
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During my 6+ years in tech, I've encountered my fair share of sexism, but have also worked alongside some really great guys.
These guys cared about me and my work, and lots of the small things they did (sometimes without realizing) added up to big things over time.
Below are examples of "good guys in tech" and things they have done that have helped my career. I hope others can follow their example.
1. Sharing positive feedback: many male clients made an effort to praise my work in front of my boss. This helped me to get promoted.
Similarly, many have also written formal recommendations on LinkedIn, which helps build trust beyond just a single job or boss.
2. Sharing salary info: A male coworker who switched jobs shared his salary in my position, after being promoted, and at his new company.
Knowledge is power with salaries, and this will help me to navigate salary negotiations, make sure I'm paid fairly, and evaluate new offers.
3. Asking about parental leave policies publicly (and lobbying for better ones)! A male coworker asked about this so that I wouldn't have to
It's embarrassing to have people assume that you're pregnant (or soon to be) if you're talking about parental leave policies, so this helped
Same guy also wrote a letter to CEO citing his experiences + how flexible schedule helped him and his family. Parental leave helps everyone!
4. Promoting the work of women (even Twitter helps!): When former coworkers RT the things I'm working on, it helps me build my network.
This provides potential for new opportunities and conversations. It never hurts to have people supporting you and talking about your work.
5. Supporting women-focused groups: Before launching #rladies, we had several men reach out to see how they could help us grow.
They offered time, training materials, books for raffles, advice, meeting places, sponsorships, speaking opps + more. This really helps!
Our local R group promotes our events without me asking. This helps us to expand, and makes us feel supported + welcome.
6. Empathizing (and humor doesn't hurt): I've been lucky to have male coworkers who at least try to "get it" when it comes to gender in tech
+ have made me laugh out loud after being frustrated by something casually sexist a client said, etc. That stuff is the worst + humor helps.
7. Asking what you can do (better): My boss tries his hardest to promote women in tech, and one of the things he does best is ask for help.
This has lead to lots of productive conversations around things like hiring mentoring & lets me know that he's open to feedback + questions.
This list started in large part because he's constantly asking for ways that he can help #rladies, the women in his group, etc. Props!
As a wrap-up, big thank you to the good guys who inspired these tweets. Keep up the good work, @jayswinney @cousinsjw @jomacm12 @TimSteeno
@DanielWoodie5 @daveminchala @JohnCPaiva @davidmeza1 @ViceChancTerry @jecollis @A_Legend90 @jepusto @b3nw
