She Strengthens

Rethinking Feminist Rhetoric in the Corporate World

In today’s corporate landscape, women face significant challenges in advancing their careers. Despite making up nearly half of the workforce, women hold only a small percentage of top leadership positions. As a young professional, I’ve encountered numerous obstacles in my own career journey. To overcome these hurdles, I’ve turned to mentors and leaders for guidance. However, I’ve discovered that much of the conventional feminist advice doesn’t resonate with me or my unique situation.

Embracing Unconventional Strategies

Rather than adhering to traditional feminist ideology, I’ve adopted five unconventional strategies that have proven beneficial to my career.

1. Taking Charge of Morale-Boosting Initiatives

I’ve been recruited to serve on various committees focused on boosting office morale. Initially, I was hesitant, fearing that these responsibilities would pigeonhole me as a “party planner” rather than a serious business professional. However, I’ve found that leading these initiatives has provided valuable networking opportunities, increased my visibility, and showcased my creativity and attention to detail.

2. Taking on Traditionally Female Responsibilities

I’ve discovered that taking on tasks like making coffee and assisting colleagues has helped me build relationships with higher-ups and demonstrate my willingness to be a team player. These actions may seem trivial, but they’ve helped me stand out and establish a positive reputation.

3. Sharing Personal Stories

I’ve found that sharing stories about my personal life, including my family and interests, has helped me form deeper connections with colleagues and showcase my authentic personality. This approach has made me more approachable and relatable to my team.

4. Owning Up to Mistakes

Apologizing for mistakes can be a sensitive topic, especially for women in the workplace. However, I’ve learned that taking ownership of my errors and offering solutions has earned me respect from my colleagues. This approach demonstrates strength, not weakness.

5. Seeking Help and Guidance

Rather than pretending to have all the answers, I’ve learned to ask for help when needed. This approach has prevented mistakes and demonstrated my willingness to learn and grow.

Finding What Works for You

While these strategies may not align with traditional feminist ideology, they’ve helped me distinguish myself in the corporate world. It’s essential to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to succeeding as a woman in the workforce. By embracing what feels authentic and effective, we can pave the way for others to do the same.

Authenticity is Key

Ultimately, the most important thing is to show up authentically and do your part to help women succeed in the workforce. By embracing our individual strengths and weaknesses, we can create a more inclusive and supportive corporate environment.