Workplaces today have rules to make sure men and women get equal chances to succeed.
Look at Honorable President Droupadi Murmu—India’s first tribal woman to become President and only the second female President after Pratibha Patil. She has made history and continues to inspire many.
Leaders like her show what’s possible, but even with these rules, many women still work extra hard, often to the point of exhaustion, just to prove themselves.
This blog is for all the amazing women in the workforce—a little reminder to slow down, take a deep breath, and celebrate how far you’ve come!
- It is alright to say 'No'
- You cannot control other's opinions
- Never stop asking questions
- Maintain a healthy work-life balance
- Take care of yourself
- Do not fear failures
- Networking and Mentorship
- Negotiation Skills
- Continuous Learning
- Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy
- Effective Time Management
- Digital Presence and Personal Branding
- Emotional Intelligence
- Financial Literacy
- Flexibility and Adaptability
- Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
It is alright to say 'No'
We often say yes to a job even when our plates are full. It has been ingrained in us that refusing a job is bad for you.
But that is not the case! You do not have to push yourself to burnout to prove your worth. Agree to do extra tasks as per your capacity without feeling stressed.
Taking an overload of work does not affect your merit. Your capability to perform to perfection is the only thing you need.
You cannot control other's opinions
Women, even today, are told to walk on eggshells and are held responsible for how others behave. But that is an unfair expectation.
Everyone is responsible for their emotions and opinions, and not every day is the same.
Similarly, when at work, you cannot control how others feel or behave. So, focus on maintaining your poise and conducting yourself correctly.
However, if their behavior starts affecting you negatively and hampers your productivity, then reach out to your manager or HR as per the situation.
Never stop asking questions
Asking questions has always been considered rude and defensive. But if you do not ask questions, how will you understand what is expected of you?
There is no pride in following instructions like a robot. So, ladies, don't shy away from asking questions, not only to others but to yourself too.
Keep asking the right questions until you have clarity. This will allow you to be confident and make level-headed decisions at work.
Maintain a healthy work-life balance
Ladies! Do not allow work to eat into your time. Everyone is entitled to balance work and personal time, or the equilibrium will go for a toss. So, why shouldn’t you?
Don’t beat yourself up for taking your due leaves and unwinding. After all, all work and no play make everyone a burnt-out employee.
Make it a practice to not revert to work communications after office hours unless there’s an emergency. There is no harm in drawing clear distinctions between work hours and personal time.
Also, whenever you feel overwhelmed, go off the grid. Take a complete break from technology and do what you love to relax.
Take care of yourself
As women, we are expected to care for others, but let us not forget to take care of ourselves in the process.
With long office hours and all the household management, do not ignore your health. Try to work out for 30 minutes daily to improve your health. Use your leaves to unwind and take a break when needed.
This will help you relax and release happy hormones. Not just that, a well-rested mind can help improve your performance at work.
Do not fear failures
As humans, we are always beating ourselves over any unsuccessful task, but this behavior only adds stress to our situation. Instead, go through the incident, find out what went wrong, and take the experience as a learning.
As Richard Branson rightly said, “Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.”
Networking and Mentorship
Build a strong professional network and seek mentorship. Connect with experienced individuals who can provide guidance, share insights, and help navigate challenges.
Negotiation Skills
Hone your negotiation skills. Advocate for yourself in terms of salary, promotions, and opportunities. Knowing your worth and effectively communicating it is crucial for career growth.
Continuous Learning
Embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Stay updated on industry trends, attend workshops, and pursue further education if needed. A dynamic skill set enhances your professional versatility.
Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy
Advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Encourage open discussions, support initiatives that promote equality, and actively participate in creating an inclusive work environment.
Effective Time Management
Master the art of time management. Prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and delegate when necessary. Efficient time management not only boosts productivity but also reduces stress.
Digital Presence and Personal Branding
Cultivate a strong digital presence. Showcase your achievements, skills, and expertise on professional platforms. A well-crafted personal brand can contribute to career advancement.
Emotional Intelligence
Develop emotional intelligence. Understand and manage your emotions effectively, and be attuned to the emotions of others. This skill is essential for building positive relationships in the workplace.
Financial Literacy
Invest time in financial literacy. Understand your financial goals, manage your budget, and plan for the future. Financial independence goes hand in hand with career empowerment.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Cultivate flexibility and adaptability in the face of change. The ability to adapt to new circumstances and navigate uncertainties is a valuable asset in today's dynamic work environment.
Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
Sharpen your public speaking and presentation skills. The ability to articulate ideas clearly and confidently is beneficial for career progression, especially in leadership roles.
Conclusion
Ladies, economic independence is a great power, but do not beat yourself up in the process. With International Women’s Day approaching, it is time to prioritize our well-being with our careers as women.
Hopefully, you will find these career lessons helpful and incorporate them into your life from here on.
