Managing the perception of how nice is 'too nice' in the workplace could prove daunting. I have lost count of the number of times I’ve been told that being nice doesn’t belong in the workplace. As a woman, it seems that particular viewpoint is even more prevalent. When others see you as having a ‘nice’ demeanor, there is a misleading association with weakness. With the … [Read more...]
When in Doubt About Others Around You, Assume Best Intent
Has anyone ever suggested you should assume best intent before reacting to others? Scenarios play out in your work environment leading you to ask yourself, “Did that really just happen?” “Who were they talking to ... because clearly, it was not me. I mean, how could they treat me like that?” When responding to circumstances, such as these, your recommended first step is … [Read more...]
When Leading Teams Today: How Close Is Too Close?
When you are new at leadership, it can be challenging to navigate leading teams today. As a freshly promoted leader, you ask yourself, "How close is too close?" It’s Friday afternoon. The countdown has started. There’s less than an hour until closing time. A few of your colleagues have mentioned going out after work. Wearing masks and socially distanced — of course — and you … [Read more...]
How Young Professionals Can Stay on Track During the Pandemic
I celebrated my 25th birthday in quarantine - a few weeks after the pandemic hit the US. I spent some time that evening ruefully thinking over the New Year’s resolutions I had eagerly established for 2020. There were such grand plans for my career this year! I would proactively invest in leadership development. I would make use of my company’s tuition reimbursement program … [Read more...]
Networking Tips for Female Entrepreneurs from a Pro Singer Turned Business Owner
In the internet age, more and more people are turning to the “side hustle” to become their own boss. Everyone wants to know the latest social media “hacks” or what hashtags are trending this week. But what so many don’t realize is that the principles of doing business are much the same as they always have been. Networking is essential for anyone looking to build a successful … [Read more...]
Why AI Spreads Gender Bias and How To Change It
AI is permeating the business world today the way electricity did at the turn of the last century. We can already see that businesses that put AI at their core can reach more people, more quickly and make more money. As Harvard Business School professors Marco Iansiti and Karim Lakhani show in their book, Competing in the Age of AI, Strategy and Leadership When Algorithms And … [Read more...]
How to Get What You Want in the Workplace
What is it about us, women, who feel like we can’t ask for what we want? Why do we find it so difficult to be upfront about something we disagree with? Women are agreeable. What Does Agreeableness Mean? Agreeableness is a term in psychology that describes someone as considerate, cooperative, and harmonious. If you are agreeable, you most likely focus on interpersonal … [Read more...]
4 Reasons Career Agility is a Must and How to Get There
Climbing the corporate ladder is no longer a linear pursuit. In fact, a staggering 85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t even been invented yet. As conventional career paths continue to evolve and be disrupted by technology, how can employees successfully navigate the changing world of work? The answer is career agility. At a high level, career agility is the … [Read more...]
Command the Room but Don’t Be Commanding: The Problem with Intangible Feedback
Many women are plagued by feedback that is unclear, not actionable, and feels like a moving target. They may get conflicting feedback like I did when I was told I was both “too strategic” and “too tactical” by the same boss. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In a favorite episode of the I Hate My Boss podcast, a listener wrote in that her manager did not even try … [Read more...]
Wanted: Women in Fortune 500 Companies
As a woman looking around at career options, please consider applying for a job with a big corporation. I know these companies often don’t seem female-friendly or the “greedy big business” image of them is unappealing to a lot of women who often want to do good for society and don’t feel like this is the right path. Women also hear about sexism and harassment at these … [Read more...]