Level Up: Positioning Yourself for Leadership
Companies say they want more female leaders, but why isn’t that reflected in their organizational chart? As it turns out, there are ways women are self-sabotaging without even realizing it. And no, it’s probably not because you took maternity leave or left early for your daughter’s recital.
Instead, it boils down to some basic differences in how men and women present themselves at work. One of the successful articles I’ve ever written was for Woman’s Day on 10 Surprising Reasons You’re Not Getting Promoted. This talk takes some of what I learned researching that piece and combines it with other practical advice for getting out of your own way and getting noticed as a leader.
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Get comfortable with self-promotion
Did you now that women tend to use “we” statements in self-evaluations, whereas men use more “I” statements? This can make it appear as though male colleagues have achieved more throughout the year, which can impact everything from bonuses to salary and even promotions. This talk will highlight some of the key things women should be cognizant to include in self-evaluations and other discussions with management.
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Learn to say “no”
You don’t have to say “yes” to every assignment and request in order to stand out as a top performer. In fact, taking on too much can lead you to rush or be less detail-oriented. That’s why it’s important to learn when – and how – to say “no.”
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Don’t conform – compete
This is not a message about acting more like a man. Instead, it’s about the natural strengths and tendencies we have as women that can be harnessed to set us apart from our male colleagues and allow us to compete on an even playing field for pay and promotions.

















