International Women’s Day #IWD
I’m a Woman and that’s my Super Power.
My colleague called us the ‘Fountain of Life’ today. I burst out laughing.
Here are some of the takeaways from the week-long celebrations that happened for IWD in 2019.
About workplace micro-aggressions & handling difficult situations
It’s tough to work with our antagonists. People who don’t believe in us, who belittle us or downright disrespect us. Micro-aggression can happen at the workplace, at home or any social setting.
But the cool thing about women is that we’re damn good at emotional intelligence. Rather than head on confronting the bully, that mansplainer, the interrupter or someone who downright insulted us in a meeting; gather your composure, take your time and diminish the emotion, muster up your coherent thoughts and have a formal meeting with them to address this.
Walk away from confrontational situation as soon as possible. Step back and have the conversation later. Have a powerful conversation. Communicate how you feel without having emotions in it.
Speak up. Let people know. A manager is there to support, to evangelize and protect you. Lean on them as well.
About celebrating your strengths
It’s easy to forget your strengths and concentrate on your flaws. It’s important to not have any blind spots, positive or negative. However, more important than the weaknesses, identify and understand your strengths and celebrate them furiously.
Practice happiness. Drop that guilt.
Love yourself. Build yourself up personally.
About confidence & entitlement
Some of the most confident people I’ve seen are also the most quietest in the room. Confidence is not about being the loudest in the room, the first to begin a conversation or being the first to raise your hand. Deep rooted confidence comes from doing your job and doing it well, above and beyond, consistently.
Confidence comes from being your champion. Advocating for yourself. Because the only person looking up for you, is you. In a way, you are your own advocate.
It is hugely pertinent to (triply) amplify the things that you’re really passionate about, that you’re really good at. Identify your weakness and work on them, yes. But there are far more strengths that go untapped because you tend to concentrate on your weaknesses and shortcomings.
Confidence comes from loving yourself. It comes from an inherent belief that you’re the best person that exists in this world. Fancy eh?
Take stock of your surroundings, understand who you are first. Get comfortable in your skin. And what you bring to the table.
That confidence that you exude is very infectious. It builds you up even further. People are attracted to positive and confident people. People flock to them. You’re perfect where you’re at that point in time. Strive for more, yes, but also be happy with the perfection you’ve achieved at that stage.
