Here are some notes from our October program on "Women Who Make Their Own Rules"
When asked “what rules have you bent or broken” here is a sampling of the panelist's responses:
- Go out on your own if that’s what you feel you need to do, take the risk
- Believe in yourself, be who you are, don’t try to be someone else
- Always take your vacation! Break the rule that says you can’t take time off – you are not indispensable and you need the time off for you
- Sell yourself whenever you need to; get comfortable with who you are and self-promotion in a way that is authentic for you
- They had role models (parents) who believed they could do anything, there were no rules or constraints
- Sometime you need to act on your best beliefs and instincts and act as if you don’t know “rules” exist until someone tells you they are
- It’s OK to take a different path than the one you started out on (maybe from college) or the one other people think you should follow
- Know what is right for you and where your passions and interest lie; don’t allow others to tell you it can’t be done
- It’s OK to be outspoken, have your own opinions, find your own way
- Be a leader (self-leadership) not a follower
- And the best “rule” of all: “It’s OK to break the rules”
What are the rules and principles – personal code of ethics – you live by:
- “Tell it like it is”; but also be aware of how you say what you say and deliver the message
- Don’t take yourself so seriously – or be “attached” to your ego
- “Perception is reality”; be sure to check in with others, get feedback from trusted sources and advisors on how others view you
- Your reputation is everything! – so be sure to stand up for your values
- Always do “the right thing”; listen to your intuition and trust where it tells you to go and what to do
- What other skills do women need to be successful in today’s corporate world?
- Building relationships and mastering powerful communications (the essence of managing politics in the workplace) are critical competencies
- Be a good listener and learn how to “read” people; understand their position and respond accordingly
- Be clear on any agreements and what you are asking for
- Ask “bold” questions so that people will notice you and take you seriously; try not to start your sentences with “I think or “I feel”
- Don’t take situations personally –try to take the emotion out of it
- How you recover from “bad” situations/mistakes (owning up to your mistakes) is important to your credibility and success
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