When you feel
empowered you can accomplish anything you desire. Empowerment for women doesn’t mean you have
to burn your bra or spit at the end of the bar.
It doesn’t mean you need to be aggressive or stare down the nearest
competitor with vigor. But there are a
few things you can do to set yourself on the road to empowerment.
1. 1. Value relationships where you are an
equal. This applies to both personal and
professional relationships where you are respected and valued as a person for
what you believe and the ideas you bring to the table.
2.. Own your voice. Be assertive with your opinions. Expect that others will listen. This doesn’t mean to interrupt, only if you
need to, but rather it’s about getting your message across with clarity and
meaning.
3. Identify words and language that support
you, as well as men. Use words that show
strength, willingness, and appreciation.
Speak in a language that commands respect, honesty and openness.
4. Refrain from succumbing to the naughty
jokes or innuendos at work. Once you
participate in such banter your reputation suffers. You won’t be taken seriously when you take on
an issue.
5. Focus on what is beneath
appearances. Compliment someone on who
they are not what they look like or how they dress. “You really communicated your idea well in
that meeting” goes a lot further than, “Gee, you looked good in there.”
6. Talk about instances of improper
treatment of women. Let people know you
are aware of how you appreciate being treated with a certain standard.
7. Learn how to ask and negotiate. Be fair.
Ask when you have earned it, not for any other reason. Be prepared to state your case and negotiate
what will create a win-win situation.
8. Be confident in planning your
career. Visualize your advancement, who
you want as a mentor, or continuing education that will keep you in the loop
for a promotion.
9. Be a risk taker. This will help you develop self-reliance in
making decisions and solving problems.
10. Know and take care of your money. There’s nothing like have a rock solid
healthy relationship with your money. If
you support your money, it will support you.
These are only a
few of the ways women can begin to empower themselves in a world where they
sometimes get passed over or go unnoticed.
Empowerment means equality and recognition for the different gifts women
bring to the table. You play a major role in setting the bar for how men and
other women treat you, acknowledge your power and support you.
