As weāve just celebrated International Womenās Day, I canāt help but think that there actually should not be a need to have such a day. Women have come a long way. Women pretty much have jobs in any industry. You now see women in politics, as air pilots, women in construction etc.
Yet, there is still a long way to go. Women are still not as represented as they should, especially in higher management positions. There may be different reasons for it, What I have witnessed – and experienced myself – is that we, women, sometimes do or say things we should not, things that weaken our presence, our message and make people wonder whether we have what it takes.
I wish someone had made me aware all these little things 20 years ago. Since I cannot go back in time, I want to share what I learned to help younger women out there.
Watch out for the little words or expressions you say
When you are being asked what you do, donāt reply that you are ājust a managerā or ājust a nurseā for instance. No. You are a manager, a nurse or any other profession. Be proud of the job you have. You are not ‘just’ something.Ā
When you want to ask a question, donāt start with āCan I ask a question?ā By doing that, you are already giving the impression youāre asking permission. Simply ask your question, it will sound much more powerful.Ā
Other words you should avoid: āmaybeā, āI thinkā (should be āI knowā or nothing at all, just your statement), ‘I am not’. When you say ‘I am not…’, take the habit to add ‘yet’. Adding that little word ‘yet’ shows that you are still working on it and that you have not given up.Ā
Donāt always say youāre sorry
It is ok to be polite, but stop saying ‘sorry’ all the time. Donāt say sorry. if someone wants to sit on the chair next to yours and you have to move a bit. Donāt say sorry if you suggested something and someone else disagrees. And donāt say āSorry, can I ask a question?ā š
Watch out how you say things
Sometimes we are so excited to say something that our voice goes up. If we ask a question, the tone of our voice should obviously go up. However, if you are making a statement, make sure your voice ends up with your town down. With your voice up at the end of a sentence, you give the impression that you either ask a question or that you are not sure. When you finish a sentence with your voice down, you clearly show youāre making a statement and that you are confident.Ā
Accept (and appreciate) compliments
This is something I see many women do, and I must say I still sometimes do it, although the older Iām getting, the better I become.
When someone gives you a compliment, such as āoh, nice shoes!ā or āI love your earringsā, or āNice dress!ā, donāt say something like āOh but theyāre oldā or āwell, I havenāt worn it in a long timeā etc. Just accept the compliment and say āthank you!ā, thatās all. We are so used to focusing on the negatives that when we do receive something positive, it looks like we are not able to handle it. So, when you receive a compliment, be grateful and accept it.Ā
Stop underestimating yourself
This summarizes my previous points. We, women, often have a tendency to underestimate ourselves. When we see a job application or want a promotion, we think we should not apply because we do not have all the qualifications or required skills. The funny thing is that men will apply even if they do not have them all.Ā
We donāt have to have everything. We are as capable as men. We need to show we are ready to take up the challenge and have the potential to do so, that is what counts.Ā
This article was also published on Linkedin. Find it here, and Virginieās other articles here.
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