It is not uncommon to see men voicing their opinions and providing strong input in meetings, yet while they may do it aggressively, it is still considered professional. However, when a women does the same thing, the reaction is too often still a frenzy of stereotyping. That causes many women to dumb themselves down in the workplace. But how to stop dumbing yourself down?
We understand you may be concerned about being called a bitch or emotional if you are aggressive or assertive in the corporate world. And we know this can lead to ‘dumbing down’ and not speaking up at times when you could have a huge ⎯ and positive ⎯ impact on major business decisions.
Understand your value
[tweet_quote hashtags=”#dontdumbyourself” ]It is important for you to know your value [/tweet_quote]and what you have to bring to the company or your business and have a voice. You have to stay true to who you are, and not get flustered by the side remarks and perhaps unflattering things sometimes said about you.We know this can be hard to master, as women sometimes do operate with emotional connections, because we are passionate, naturally want everyone to be okay and ensure that we are likable. But you have to recognize that in the corporate world that is sometimes beyond your control.
Evaluate what equality means to you
It may be decades before we are truly viewed as equals in the workplace. Maybe you do not want to be viewed as an equal because you are a woman and there are differences that are the essence of who you are and the grace of your being. That’s fine.
Practice confidence until you achieve it
You want to be heard and respected for the value you bring to your corporatio and How to stop dumbing yourself down. Tackle this like you would a project. You have to lead with facts, examples and state the outcome or possible results. Your words may fall on deaf ears at first therefore you should be confident with your voice and posture when stating your facts and have the research to back up your statements.
You do not want to dumb yourself down or stop yourself providing valuable input just to prevent ruffling any feathers. Your focus should be on how to best stand out while being professional and maintaining your composure.
Practice how you are going to deliver your presentation or speech. You can look in the mirror while you practise, or record your presentation to see how you look and sound. You can practise in front of someone who is capable of giving you honest feedback and be open to their criticism ⎯ this is because they care and want you to be your best.
Forget the boys’ club
[tweet_quote hashtags=”#whocares #boysclub” ]You may not ever make it into the boys’ club[/tweet_quote] because they are just that ⎯ boys. Do not stop being the diamond that you are because you are made to feel intimidated or less than who you are and definitely not because of what you think they may say about you. Learn how to stop dumbing yourself down and become successfulYou have to decide if you want to be liked or respected. Unfortunately it might take sounding aggressive to get your point across yet it is necessary to leave your emotions at the door.
Results talk. And at the end of the day whatever they have to say about you will always end with… ‘But she knows her stuff’.
