Women in business have made significant strides over the past few decades, but there is still a long way to go. Many women struggle to have their voices heard in the workplace. In fact, a study found that only 8% of women find it easy to make their voices heard at work. and this can lead to missed opportunities and feelings of frustration and disempowerment. The good news is that there are steps women can take to reclaim their voices and assert themselves in the workplace. In this article, we explore some tips for women to help them speak up and be heard.
Stop Worrying About Being Liked
One of the most common reasons women hold back in the workplace is the fear of being seen as too assertive. As a result, many women opted to be intentionally invisible and avoided conflict with their colleagues. Consequently, they often ended up feeling well-liked but underappreciated. Women are often socialized to be people-pleasers, which can lead to a reluctance to assert themselves or speak up in a way that might upset others. To reclaim your voice, you must stop worrying about being liked and focus on being respected. This means being willing to take a stand, even if it means disagreeing with others or pushing back against the status quo. Remember, you don’t need to be liked by everyone to be successful.
Prepare What to Say and When
Another tip for women to reclaim their voices is to prepare what they want to say and when. This can be especially helpful in situations where there is a power dynamic at play, such as during a meeting with a boss or a client. By preparing what you want to say ahead of time, you can ensure that you get your point across and don’t get derailed by nerves or other distractions. It’s also important to think about when you want to speak up – waiting for the right moment can make all the difference in how your message is received. Remember, preparation is key to feeling confident and in control.
Build Good Relationships With Your Peers
Building good relationships with your peers is another key to reclaiming your voice. When you have strong relationships with your colleagues, you are more likely to feel comfortable speaking up and sharing your ideas. This can help to build a culture of collaboration and respect, which benefits everyone in the workplace. Take the time to get to know your coworkers and build relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Remember, good relationships are a two-way street – be willing to offer support and help to your colleagues as well.
Build Confidence With Our Empowered Mindset Workshop
Finally, one of the best ways for women to build confidence and reclaim their voices is to attend an Empowered Mindset Workshop. These workshops are designed to help women step into their power and develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the workplace.
Corporate Class Inc. I notice you never put a period after Inc … is there a reason? offers an online or in-person Empowered Mindset Workshop to help women become more confident in their ability to speak up and be heard. The workshop is crafted to transform your perception, challenge your self-knowledge, and broaden your network by facilitating a collaborative environment. The interactive coaching sessions, incorporating neuroleadership’s scientific approaches, aim to generate tangible outcomes.
In addition to our Empowered Mindset Workshop, we also offer a Women in Leadership Masterclass. This highly customizable and transformative 2-day program has been delivered to women in various Fortune 500 companies. The workshop is designed to be inclusive and interactive, providing participants with the tools they need to own their voice, project confidence, overcome barriers, advance their careers, and much more.
Contact us to learn more about our workshops and coaching for women in business.