1) Stop seeing her as female. See her as a human being who has achieved enough to earn the right to be your boss. If that thought governs your thoughts about her then it will flow through your actions and will most likely, seamlessly come through as RESPECT. Focus on her achievements as opposed to her gender.
2) Never EVER say things like..."I have never worked with a woman before" or "I have never reported to a woman before" or "My friends said working with a woman is tough"...bla bla bla,... please refer to number one.
3) Don't take her generosity, kindness or 'motherly' traits for granted. Most female bosses show care, its almost second nature..."Have you eaten?" , How are you going home? etc...They 'look at your face' as we say in Nigeria but don't let them feel for a second that you are taking advantage of their kindness or taking them for granted. That lady gonna turn cold, stingy and mean so fast you will be left confused and unable to break down the walls. Resist having a sense of entitlement. Its not her job to take care of you. That's what your salary is for. So if she ever extends an act of kindness to you, understand its a privilege not a right.
4) Do not assume that it is OK to refer to her as Madam. Especially if she falls into any of these categories: 'Under 40', 'Single' or 'Plus sized'. Tread carefully on how to address her. Any title she doesn't like, DROP IT! FAST! Till you find what works. If you are in an office environment where people are called by their first names then please call her just that. You don't need to remind her she looks like a MADAM. Experiment until you find what works. Try "Ma"!, Try addressing her without any titles at all but be polite...use "Excuse me" or "please" to get her attention then make your request or speak on. You may coin a way of saying her name without making her feel old but still showing respect...like Ma'am Seki or Lady Seki...but just find what works well with her or else one day you will call her that name and she will snap your head off with her words then you will be wondering what you said wrong. My dear your cup has run over.
5) DO not feel the need to compliment her on her looks especially if she is in business mode. There are very few serious minded boss ladies who care for your compliments. Its fine for them to see it in your eyes that you appreciate what you see but just leave it at that. No need to patronize. Except you have discovered that is her switch then in that case you can use it. However, most female bosses will switch off and get cold cos you are about to cross the line of number one above. Would you start telling your male boss in a business situation...Wow sir this your shoe today...its so brown...you look hot...bla bla bla??? Think about it.
6) When she is upset, You need to LISTEN to what she is saying or complaining about and not read her with any stereotype assumptions. None of that hormone, monthly cycle, quarrel with husband, how are the children, husband is hard to find excuses. She is upset because of what she is saying, no more no less. Fix it as instructed. That's respect. Take her seriously or else she gonna push you off the cliff one day and you will be wondering what you did to deserve that.
7) When you want to ask her for a favour, go straight to the point. When you want to explain something to her, go straight to the point. She is female, not a child, not a weakling and definitely not stupid. That's why she is the boss and you are NOT yet...So RECOGNIZE or else she will make you recognize and oh so painfully you will.
If I have helped, or you would like to share...drop a line in the comment section. Thanks for reading.
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