International Men's Day
Not your average geek: real talk from men in IT
In celebration of International Men’s Day on November 19th, we spoke with our male colleagues to gain insights into the unique challenges they face and the values they prioritize in their work. From breaking common stereotypes to balancing high-stakes demands, their perspectives highlight the importance of collaboration and personal growth in shaping a positive and effective workplace. In this article, we explore their experiences, misconceptions, and the qualities that drive success in the ever-evolving world of IT.
Balancing the demands of IT: perspectives from our male colleagues
We talked with our colleagues about the biggest challenges they experience as men working in IT. A common frustration is the assumption that working in IT means knowing everything about tech, from fixing computers to troubleshooting apps instantly. As one colleague put it, “It’s like assuming everyone at a car factory can fix your car!” Another key issue is the ongoing challenge of increasing diversity, particularly in attracting more women to the field, which they believe would enrich team dynamics and innovation. Lastly, balancing work-life demands is tough, especially in cybersecurity where high-stakes, 24/7 availability can make it hard to disconnect.
Breaking stereotypes: men in IT are more than 'geeks'
When asked about misconceptions surrounding men in IT, our colleagues shared some interesting insights. A prevalent stereotype is that male IT professionals are all “IT geeks” or “nerds” who are socially awkward and obsessed solely with technical topics. “Many people imagine us as detached from non-technical interests,” one team member noted, highlighting that such labels don’t reflect the reality of today’s diverse workforce. Another misconception is that men in IT need to be naturally dominant or authoritative to lead, overshadowing qualities like empathy and collaboration. “We’re sensitive too,” a colleague added, pointing out that valuing emotional intelligence and communication is essential in this field. To tackle these misconceptions, we foster a culture that recognizes diverse personalities, encourages open-mindedness, and values leadership styles beyond traditional stereotypes.
Professionalism with a personal touch: values men prioritize in IT
When asked about the values and qualities they find important to convey in the workplace, our team members highlighted respect, collaboration, trust, and balance. Respect is a core value, with one colleague emphasizing the importance of treating everyone equally. Collaboration is also prioritized over competition, as working together strengthens team morale and drives better outcomes. Trust came up as a fundamental quality, built through reliability, transparency, and consistent actions; as one team member put it, “Team members need to feel confident to share ideas and take risks without fear of judgment.” Finally, balancing professionalism with a sense of humour brings a human touch to daily interactions, making work more enjoyable and strengthening connections across the team. Together, these values create a workplace culture rooted in respect, support, and camaraderie.
Our male colleagues’ insights reveal that the challenges in IT go beyond technical demands—they include overcoming stereotypes, building trust, and supporting inclusivity. By prioritizing respect, collaboration, and balance, they challenge outdated perceptions of IT professionals as “geeks” or “strictly authoritative” leaders. This emphasis on empathy, teamwork, and open-mindedness helps create a more dynamic, welcoming environment, strengthening both our teams and the industry as a whole.
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