Applying “Feminist Fight Club” Principles to Remote Work

“It was a fight club—but without the fighting and without the men.”

So begins the description for author Jessica Bennett’s Feminist Fight Club: An Office Survival Manual for a Sexist Workplace, which has become something of a cultural sensation since its Fall 2016 release. Based on conversations from Bennett’s actual group of female professionals (the original Feminist Fight Club), the tongue-in-cheek manifesto has popularized many a new term and has spurred a lot of conversations about women in the workplace. It has landed on a number of companies’ internal reading lists, including that of globally distributed startup Buffer.

The sad truth is that unconscious gender bias indeed exists, and it impacts both men and women; the good news is that there’s something we all can do about it. While the book contains many tips that professionals of any gender can use to combat “mansplaining” and “manterrupting,” they don’t just apply in face-to-face scenarios.

Nor are they exclusively a “woman’s fight.” In fact, improving gender equality at work is something that men have equal responsibility in fostering. (That’s right, men: Feminist Fight Club is also for you!) Keep in mind that anyone in highly visible roles or leadership positions can have a tremendous impact on their company culture.

Here’s how you can deal with five archetypes with feminist fight club principles in order to create a more welcoming remote work environment:

1. The Dreaded Manterrupter

We’ve all worked with at least one of these. He might not be the guy running the show, or even the meeting you’re now participating in—but you’ll hear his voice more than any others on this call. Worse, he cuts colleagues off left and right. Your move? Speak louder, and acknowledge the interruption. It may be uncomfortable at first, but putting this person on notice shifts attention back to the speaker, and to the important point being shared by another teammate. If desired, your team can even go so far as to set up a no-interruption rule. Check mate!

2. The Saw-It-a-Mile-Away Bropropriator

This ambitious coworker is the type who enjoys soaking up  the virtual spotlight, whether offering his (or her) original idea or taking credit for someone else’s. That’s right: this is the IP theft you really have to worry about. Do your part by calmly interjecting that no, Donna actually brought this up, and perhaps we should ask her to elaborate on her perspective.

If you see someone regularly appropriating your colleagues’ ideas, it’s time to be a boss by escalating the issue to the boss.

3. The Expert Mansplainer

You’ve been there: you’ve got the chops and most assuredly know what you’re talking about, but then “that guy” takes it upon himself to offer his expert opinion with a healthy dose of condescension. Yes, you may have written a book about the industrialization of everyday life or are a bona fide astrophysicist, but you’re just as much at risk for mansplaining as the rest of us.

The best advice: don’t be quiet about your credentials or your creations. The mansplainer needs to be corrected by others, because the last thing this individual wants is to appear totally clueless in front of an audience.

4. The Helpful Maid/Office Mom

This is a tired and heavily cliched role in which many women unintentionally find themselves when working. Some probably wonder how it happened. If you were raised to be helpful, that tendency might naturally arise in your professional life.

However, be cautious: if you’re the one who always agrees to take notes in meetings, stop. Or if you notice that your colleague is always the one who takes it upon himself to build out next steps for everyone, be sure to volunteer. Show others that administrative tasks belong to all.

5. The Unconfident Qualifier

“Sorry, I was just going to say…” or, “I’m not an expert, but…” Chances are you’ve either been this person or have encountered quite a few throughout your career. The painfully humble pro who, with just a few qualifying words, manages to undermine their own position at every turn. If it’s you, try to be conscious of your use of said words, and work toward eliminating them in meetings.

If it’s a colleague, take them aside and offer some discreet yet encouraging advice. “You deserve to be here, and your insights can benefit us. Don’t hesitate to share them, and don’t apologize!”

Photo Credit: bigstockphoto.com 

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By Kristi DePaul | Categories: Work Remotely

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