Progress in office comes step by step

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Approximately 15 years ago, women and other minority groups landed on corporate soil, and life hasn't been the same since.

The natives have struggled to adjust to the immigrants. The newcomers have strained to adapt to new cultures.

So far, I'd say both sides are doing remarkably well. It hasn't been easy. Everything from customs to costumes has been affected.

The changes have come day by day, person by person. Here are a few more tiny steps toward mutual understanding:

·        Men or women referring to women as "girls" or "gals." Men are doing better than women these days. Most men have been corrected at least once and know the terms make some women bristle.

    
But why do some women continue to call themselves girls? It sounds demeaning and childlike in a business setting. If one of the "girls" asks to be promoted to management, all the manager is likely to see is a little girl who wants to play dress-up.

It's wise to remember the first three letters of the words management and manager. Do yourself and your female colleagues a favor - call yourselves women.

·        Saying, "I don't think I should do it because it's not in my job description." Get smart. Most movers and climbers never looked at their job description for more than 10 minutes. They were off and running toward any new skill, experience or task - no matter how difficult.

If it needs doing, do it. Some employees miss the whole idea. First you grow out of a job, then the job description is changed to catch up to your new responsibilities. It's not the other way around.

·        Telling ethnic jokes. People may laugh but they'll remember your prejudice. Stereotypes stink. When was the last time you heard someone in top management tell an ethnic joke at someone's expense? You won't be promoted if your biases show. It's as simple as that.

·        Referring to a professional as the black lawyer, handicapped accountant or lady doctor. Indeed, the sheer number of minorities in the work force today has sensitized most of us. Like the rest of the work force, their performance should be the only distinction that matters.

·        At a meeting of professionals, expecting the only woman in the room to take notes. Some women I know won't even bring paper to meetings. If you need a secretary at a meeting, for heaven's sake invite one. Otherwise, give it to the most logical person or take turns.

·        Women who claim they take their jobs seriously but only kid themselves.

These women come to work ready to dance. Their after-office outfit is complemented by their after-five attitude. Promotions and predatory behavior don't mix.