Who runs the world? GIRLS.
So we should probably be helping each other do that. This is a topic I’ve been wanting to write about for a while and is something close to my heart. For some reason, it’s become acceptable for people to put others down in order to lift themselves up. It’s widespread among men and women, and being a shark is sometimes considered something admirable. But I would argue against that. I truly believe that when women support each other, incredible things can happen. And we should strive to build each other up and help each other win.
Women are becoming more and more of an unstoppable force, and to reach that full potential, we need to shake the past reality of being so incredibly harsh to one another.
Chances are, you know exactly what I mean. Have you ever overheard a snarky comment, or possibly a workplace sabotage? Maybe it was rumors spread about you or purposeful exclusion. Whatever it was, it needs to stop. Now.
We’ve seen too much progress and too much growth to regress back to mean-girl ways. We’re better than that.
It’s time. Here are 4 ways women can support each other:
Don’t let your fellow woman undermine herself
And don’t let yourself do it either! For some reason, women use verbal crutches and undermining language all the time. Phrases like “I’m not sure if this is a good idea” or “This is just a thought” make it seem like you’re asking for approval of your idea. And you shouldn’t. Verbal clutches like “just” and “actually” are also detrimental to the power of your words. Then there is the “sorry” epidemic. There is absolutely no reason you should be saying sorry unless you have something to be sorry for! My coworker wrote a fantastic blog on why women need to stop apologizing in the workplace and is definitely worth a read, and she gives you actionable tips to help yourself stop saying sorry.
So speak confidently, and encourage your fellow women to do the same. If you’re comfortable, ask your coworkers to call you out when they hear you using verbal crutches. There is also a fantastic Gmail extension, Just Not Sorry, that will point out whenever you use specific undermining language in your emails.
Celebrate women’s accomplishments (and make sure people hear about it)
Generally, women tend to get less credit for their achievements and are seen as a show-off when they celebrate their work. But screw that. We can and should celebrate each other’s accomplishments loud and proud! Look for opportunities to show your coworkers (or any women in your life) some public love for their incredible work.
Be a mentor or a mentee
Each of us has knowledge to contribute and wisdom to share. It can be tempting to fall into a competition mentality but that doesn’t get us anywhere. Embrace the position of being a mentor or a mentee and spread the wealth of knowledge. A mentor can give you professional advice, counsel during stressful times, and be your cheerleader. And being a mentor doesn’t necessarily require an impressive title or a high-level management role. Women one or two steps ahead of you and women with a varied or interesting career path make fantastic mentors.
Cut each other some slack
No one is perfect. We all have off days, bad days, make mistakes, and are very much so human. So properly dismount your high horse and cut your fellow woman some slack. Don’t expect them to be superheroes, know everything or always be “on.”
Let’s rise together ladies!
XOXO
Sierra
Great post! Here’s to all the powerful women!