Our industry, much like those of construction, technology, national politics and sports (amongst others) are notorious for being dominated by the male species. Why is that? Is it the old aged theory that women simply “don’t grasp the complicated machines known as cars”? Or is it that we just aren't macho enough? Whatever the reasoning, it simply just doesn't make any sense.
Bottom line…sexism. It plays a major role in our industry and I personally feel it almost every day. I don’t feel it from my colleagues at iMagicLab, probably since I am “just one of the guys” to our crazy bunch, but I definitely feel it from others outside our organization. There isn't a day that goes by that I don’t get “thanks sweetie” or a wink at the end of an email, which I highly doubt my male counterparts get in their correspondence with others in the industry. It doesn't bother me in the least bit (actually makes me blush from time to time, which one can always use) but I do think it’s just the industry standard (odd as it may sound). As mentioned in one of my recent blogs, I recently came to our industry from Corporate America and I can’t think of one occasion that I was treated that way in my tenure there. Probably for the fear of sexual harassment, which can happen in any industry, but for fear nonetheless.
Studies have shown that women in our industry (though few and far between) have rarely held roles at the senior or executive level. Over the last several years I've read several articles stating we would begin to see a paradigm shift- and begin seeing women working in our body shops, making it as senior level executives at the top automakers (Grace Lieblein, VP at GM), to race-car drivers (Danica Patrick). We are breaking down those barriers one by one, and hopefully before we know we won’t just hear “the old car guy” as a reference to those in our industry.
I’d love to see the “no girls allowed” sign taken down, sexism go by the wayside, and for us to continue to build our workforce with the most knowledgeable professionals out there (no matter the gender).
Carey Spillert is a Sales Solutions Manager at iMagicLab. She has recently come back to the industry after years of being a corporate powerhouse. You can follow Carey @theCRMprincess on Twitter and find her on LinkedIn.
Comments
Great article on this very topic, check it out:
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/e0a586af#/e0a586af/28
The picture of a woman in a hijab connotes (at least to the westerner) a woman oppressed; as to her look, it might be interpreted in any number of ways, one being that which I mentioned. I do admit the auto industry is a male dominated industry in many expressions, but I do not believe women cannot attain the same level of success as any male in today's industry. You might as well say sales, as an avocation in general is a male dominated industry; however, this would only indicate a demographic that is attracted to this industry. My point is some sexes are drawn to particular industry, males to sales and women to other, as I only indicated one. However, as others have mentioned I repudiate the belief a woman must be attractive to succeed in sales; that is a purely sexist opinion (if one considers men are the majority in this industry ergo men only hire attractive women.) My point is that after more than 20 years in sales I can testify that women are statistically 50.8% of the American population (US Census) and additionally influence another substantial percentage of buying decisions. They are the true powerhouses of decision-influencers in every industry. I did enjoy your post. BTW I have worked with iMagic great company! Jay
References.
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/00000.html
Jay, thank you for the feedback and your back story- congrats on your achievements in the industry as well as those of your wife.
I didn't say there were no females in our industry or that none of us have had successes in our careers, I simply said it still remains a very male dominated industry. You are correct about the wonderful component that for those that work hard, will be rewarded for their performance.
I am a bit confused by your last comment....
I really do appreciate your feedback and banter, and would love to hear from you again in future blogs.
Bravo to you Donna! I too am 5'2 with a 6' personality ironically. I appreciate your story and dedication to make your way with the team there. Stay the course and you will continue to gain the respect of those around you. I look forward to hearing more from you, and to compare notes in the future.
Have a great day!
Carey, I was not going to say anything but the inclusion of a woman (who by the way appears very attractive and sexual) as your visual aid is a bit sexist. Jay
Maybe I am in a different world when it comes to the car business. Regarding the comment about income affecting the professionalism in the auto industry, I have never experienced less than six figures in any of the 12 years I have been in sales and sales management and the majority of sales professionals I know likewise gravitate to the auto industry precisely for the income potential; however, why the qualifier as unprofessional behavior is unacceptable regardless of the compensation on receives.
I have been in several positions including floor sales, many years as an Internet Sales Manager, Internet Director, Sales Manager, General Sales Manger and now a consultant to more than 200 dealer groups so I feel I have seen my fair share of men and women in varying roles. Here are a few: my last owner and principal was a woman (of average looks if this matters), a finance manager (a lesbian too if that matters), several BDC managers) store managers and I could go on as I have worked with and for very successful female sales professionals in more than 6 different states including Chicago, KC, Omaha and Cleveland. My own wife who holds an MBA with honors likewise was a very successful sales person and Internet Sales manager.
The wonderful component of the auto sales industry is anyone with ability, tenacity, work ethic, honesty, regardless of looks or weight (I am average looking and more than 40 pounds overweight) will reward an individual for their ability and performance. My last top two sales performers (out of 17) were women, one 23 and the other 53, both average looking. I may be unpopular for saying this but I feel it is demeaning to women professionals in the auto business to propagate the fallacy the auto business is not open to their participation.
Hi Carey, I couldn't agree more! I do admit you have to have a tough skin to be a woman in this industry, more so than any other. I work at one of the biggest Toyota dealers in Wisconsin and we have the #1 used car dept in the Midwest. I am the Internet Director. The used car department is like no other used car department I have ever seen, heard, etc..... They are the toughest, most aggressive and sometimes nasty group of men that I have ever met. They tried adding a woman to the group and it lasted a couple weeks. Fast forward...they needed someone to come in and run the Internet Dept. They have had only men do this job in the past. They needed someone strong who won't take any crap and who will know the difference between kidding and harrassment. I am just under 5'2" but have a 6' personality. They guys were betting on how long I would last. I was hazed! Yes, that is what I am calling it. Most thought I would buckle. Thank God a few of the salesmen were my friends before I started. They just kept telling me to keep going.....keep moving forward. It's been a year and I have earned the respect of most of the salespeople and all of management. The guys know I am tough but fair and if they are ****ing me off, they will know about it in 1 minute flat. My goal was to become "one of the guys" without losing myself as a woman. I think I accomplished that. Good luck Carey! Happy Sales!
Have a good one!
The issue is that this industry still has the "boys club" mentality and it's hard for people to shake that. This is an issue that hopefully is going away because women have to work so much harder to "prove" themselves in an industry that is driven on testosterone. Men have to realize that this isn't the 1950s anymore; if a woman has the skills and technique to be hired in this aggressive climate (with an economy that isn't helping) then be smart and calm the "boys only" nonsense down.
Thanks Ben.
I do think it's changing, slowly but surely. Hopefully we will continue to see a shift overall. I look forward to watching things change personally.
Have a great weekend!