We know that having a strong group of women around us helps us stay sane in the crazy journey that is life. After all, having your BFFs to laugh, cry, and drink with you through the good times and bad is one of life’s greatest gifts. Turns out, it can also push you to your professional best, according to a new study.
- The research is clear on this. The data, published in the Harvard Business Review, found that friends are more than just people to hang out with to keep from getting bored—they also enable you to reach the top of your chosen career field thanks to their support and encouragement.
- The effect is impressive. According to Brian Uzzi, one of the researchers behind the study, “Women who were in the top quartile of centrality and had a female-dominated inner circle of 1-3 women landed leadership positions that were 2.5 times higher in authority and pay than those of their female peers lacking this combination.” That’s a dramatic increase and yet another reason it’s so important to surround yourself with strong women.
- Having male friends has the opposite effect. Unfortunately, this professional boost won’t work if your friend group is made up of mostly dudes. While yes, it’s great to have guy friends for a different perspective, an all-male crew will likely hold you back. “While women who had networks that most resembled those of successful men (i.e., centrality but no female inner circle) placed into leadership positions that were among the lowest in authority and pay,” Uzzi wrote. Yikes!
- It makes sense if you think about it. Women who have strong female friend circles have an endless amount of support and encouragement at their fingertips. You can turn to your girls for advice and speak to them frankly in ways that you probably wouldn’t with your guy friends. Not only that, but other women can understand where you’re coming from more than men can since they’ve likely experienced many of the same frustrations and situations that you have, which can help you better cope with trouble or help devise a plan moving forward.
- Bottom line? Embrace your fellow ladies. Trust me, it’s good for you in every possible way.
