They’re bossy. They’re pushy. They stress you out. “They” are your bosses. And a lot of them are uptight, arrogant, and downright annoying.
A new study from three Rutgers University psychologists shows there is a double standard when it comes to men and women in the workplace. (Like we didn’t know that already). But, it did show certain styles work better for men than women.
So, if you’re currently looking for a job, listen up.
Researchers videotaped actors during a mock interview for a managerial position. Some acted confident and dominant, while others were modest and cooperative.
Four hundred participants then viewed the tapes, thinking they were witnessing real interviews. They ranked the “job seekers” on competence, social skills, and hirability.
And here is where the double standard comes in. The women who acted confident and bossy were seen to lack social skills. But, bossy men were viewed as competent and most hirable.
What, so a woman can’t be confident? They have to be as sweet as pie? Not so fast. Women who acted too nice or seemed pleasant to work with were rated as incompetent. Men who were a bit too sweet and modest were rated the least hirable of all.
