Feminist Fight Club Summary

Feminist Fight Club

An Office Survival Manual for a Sexist Workplace
by Jessica Bennett • 2016 • 336 pages
3.76
8.2K ratings
Feminism Business Self Help
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Key Takeaways

1. Recognize and Combat Subtle Sexism in the Workplace

Like the micro-aggressions that people of color endure daily—racism masked as subtle insults or dismissals—today's sexism is insidious, casual, politically correct, even friendly.

Subtle sexism persists in modern workplaces, manifesting as microaggressions, unconscious biases, and seemingly innocuous behaviors that undermine women's authority and competence. Common examples include:

  • Manterrupting: Men interrupting or talking over women in meetings
  • Bropropriating: Men taking credit for women's ideas
  • Hepeating: Men repeating women's ideas and receiving credit
  • Mansplaining: Men explaining things to women in a condescending manner

To combat these behaviors, women can employ strategies such as:

  • Amplification: Repeating and crediting other women's ideas
  • Verbal Aikido: Redirecting interruptions back to the original speaker
  • Documentation: Keeping records of contributions and ideas
  • Allies: Enlisting male colleagues to recognize and call out sexist behaviors

2. Overcome Self-Sabotaging Behaviors and Build Confidence

Within every woman exists a warrior. Really.

Internal barriers often hold women back in their professional lives. Common self-sabotaging behaviors include:

  • The Imposter Syndrome: Feeling like a fraud despite accomplishments
  • The Perfectionist: Setting unrealistically high standards
  • The People Pleaser: Difficulty saying no or setting boundaries
  • The Humble Bragger: Downplaying achievements out of modesty

To overcome these tendencies and build confidence:

  • Practice self-awareness to identify negative thought patterns
  • Reframe self-doubt as a sign of growth and learning
  • Celebrate achievements and accept compliments graciously
  • Set realistic goals and prioritize self-care
  • Seek mentorship and support from other successful women

3. Master Effective Communication Strategies

Women's ideas are less likely to be correctly attributed to them—and often because somebody else (a man) is repeating them more loudly.

Effective communication is crucial for women to assert themselves and ensure their ideas are heard and credited. Key strategies include:

  • Use clear, concise language and avoid apologetic or qualifying phrases
  • Employ "power posing" and confident body language
  • Practice active listening and strategic questioning
  • Develop a strong, authoritative speaking voice

Specific techniques:

  • The "Just the Facts" approach: State accomplishments objectively
  • The "Boast Buddy" system: Praise each other's achievements
  • The "Amplification" method: Repeat and credit other women's ideas
  • The "Verbal Judo" technique: Redirect conversations when interrupted

4. Navigate Office Politics and Stereotypes

Behold the catch-22 of women and power. To be successful a woman must be liked, but to be liked she must not be too successful: her likability eroded by her professional status.

Office stereotypes and double standards create unique challenges for women. Common stereotypes include:

  • The "Office Mom": Expected to take on nurturing or housekeeping roles
  • The "Bossy Bitch": Perceived as aggressive when assertive
  • The "Emotional One": Deemed too sensitive or unstable for leadership

To navigate these stereotypes:

  • Recognize and challenge biased perceptions
  • Cultivate a leadership style that balances warmth and competence
  • Set clear boundaries and delegate "office housework" equitably
  • Develop a personal brand that showcases strengths and expertise

5. Negotiate Assertively for Fair Compensation

There's no easy way around it: negotiating sucks. It's difficult, anxiety-inducing, awkward, risky—no matter your gender.

Women often face unique challenges when negotiating salary and benefits. To negotiate effectively:

  • Research industry standards and know your worth
  • Frame requests in terms of mutual benefit to the company
  • Practice your pitch and anticipate potential objections
  • Consider negotiating for non-monetary benefits (e.g., flexible hours, professional development)

Negotiation strategies:

  • The "Power Pose": Use confident body language before and during negotiations
  • The "What Would Josh Do?" approach: Channel male colleague's confidence
  • The "Communal Advocacy" technique: Frame requests as benefiting the team or organization
  • The "BATNA" method: Know your Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement

6. Cultivate a Supportive Network of Female Allies

There is power in numbers. Now more than ever, we need to stick together—and we need other women, and men, by our side.

Building a strong support system is crucial for women's professional success and personal well-being. Benefits of female alliances include:

  • Sharing experiences and strategies for navigating workplace challenges
  • Providing emotional support and validation
  • Creating opportunities for mentorship and sponsorship
  • Amplifying each other's voices and achievements

To cultivate a supportive network:

  • Join or create a "Feminist Fight Club" or professional women's group
  • Seek out mentors and become a mentor to others
  • Practice "shine theory" by celebrating other women's successes
  • Collaborate on projects and initiatives that promote gender equality

7. Empower Yourself and Others to Challenge the Status Quo

Membership in the FFC means that you have taken an oath to help other women.

Challenging systemic sexism requires collective action and individual empowerment. To become an agent of change:

  • Educate yourself and others about gender bias and inequality
  • Speak up against sexist behaviors and policies
  • Advocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives in your workplace
  • Support and promote other women's work and ideas

Actionable steps:

  • Document and report instances of discrimination or harassment
  • Propose and implement gender-equitable policies (e.g., parental leave, flexible work arrangements)
  • Organize or participate in women's leadership development programs
  • Use your privilege and platform to amplify marginalized voices
  • Encourage male allies to actively support gender equality efforts

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