By: Marcey Walsh of Dale Carnegie Tampa Bay

SUMMARY: Until young women see others ‘like them’ succeeding in construction, opportunities may continue to appear to be ‘not for me.’

Despite recent strides made in the construction industry to create opportunities, women are still underrepresented in the field. Opportunities are here, why aren’t young women flocking to begin stable, profitable, construction careers? Let’s view women in construction careers through the lens of visibility.

Let’s face it, as humans, we believe what we see! 

As a Dale Carnegie communications coach and trainer, I hear from so many how challenging it can be to be seen and heard in male dominated industries. Stepping up to SHOW UP can be daunting, but is important to do, not just for yourself, but to be seen by those who will come next, improving conditions for all.

How can your firm, and the women in it, make confident women more visible for the next generation of industry leaders to see and join? Facilitate women to:

1. SHOW UP for networking and industry events: Women should be supported and encouraged to attend industry events, trade shows, and conferences to meet influential people in the construction industry, network, and showcase their skills. Make it a priority to have a diverse representation at all events.
   
2. SHOW UP online: Create a strong, professional online presence on social media platforms like LinkedIn to highlight skills, qualifications, and experience in the field. When I teach networking skills, I often find that those in construction trades don’t view themselves as business professions, so not a fit for LinkedIn. If you’re not on LinkedIn, you don’t exist in the professional world, so SHOW UP!
   
3. SHOW UP as a voice at the Table: Speak up and share ideas. Women should speak up and contribute their ideas in team meetings and group discussions. This showcases expertise in the industry and helps to build their professional reputation. 
   
4. SHOW UP in leadership roles: Women who actively seek out leadership roles and positions of influence within their organizations eventually get them. (If not with their current company, with their next employer!) Even the process of inquiring and applying for leadership roles helps to gain visibility and demonstrate abilities to higher-ups.
   
5. SHOW UP by seeking and offering mentorship and sponsorship opportunities: Women who pursue mentorship and sponsorship programs gain access to industry leaders who can offer guidance, support, and networking opportunities. This helps them gain visibility and advance their careers in the construction industry.
   

Perception is reality! We believe what we see. Until young women see others ‘like them’ succeeding in construction, opportunities may continue to appear to be ‘not for me.’ Thanks to all who show up and represent.

About the Editor:

Robert Graves, MBA, is a Dale Carnegie Certified Trainer for Dale Carnegie Tampa Bay. His focus is Relationship Selling. He is the author of “Making More Money with Technology.” He often speaks on the evolution of Marketing, Sales, and Service. Robert can be reached at robert.graves@dalecarnegie.com or call/text 813-966-3058.

About Dale Carnegie:

Dale Carnegie is a global training and development organization specializing in leadership, communication, human relations, and sales training solutions. More than 9 million people around the world have graduated from Dale Carnegie training since it was founded in 1912. Dale Carnegie Training can help your organization build effective interpersonal skills that generate the positive emotions essential to a productive work environment that lead to increased profits.