One statistic I read recently stated that women will only apply for promotions if they have 100% of the qualifications already.
Men? 60%. Men assume that they will learn what they need to on the job if they get it…and they’re right.
I was chatting with a beautiful client of mine a while ago about a potential promotion. One of the concerns she had was that there was a fair amount of gossip at her work and she was concerned that her co-workers might start talking about her if she went for it.
“Don’t worry,” I said, “they’re already talking about you.”
“What?” she laughed. “What should I do then?” she asked.
“Fuck ‘em,” I said.
Nobody ever changed the world by asking permission.
If women continue to people please to keep everybody else happy, then we are essentially asking permission to live our own lives.
We are giving away our power. And for what? They’re already talking about us.
Now I’m not saying that you don’t take consideration for others, or be kind. I’m all about that. But don’t let what you “think” other people are thinking of you stop you from doing what feeds your soul, or prevents you from sharing your gifts with the world.
So where do you start?
Put yourself out there.
Apply for promotions. Raise your hand in meetings. Let yourself be seen. Share your accomplishments with superiors. Not as arrogance, or conceit, but as a way of authentically contributing to the whole, and being an example of grace.
It takes some bravery. But when you do it, you show all of us what’s possible.
So, fuck ‘em and get out there and be the light that you are!
I always love hearing from you. Join me in the comments below.
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