If women in business all had microphones today, they might be tapping them, asking, “Is this thing on?” With heightened awareness around sexual harassment, pay equality, and representation in the workplace, now is the time for women to make their voices heard.
Last year when I was working on the manuscript for The Boomerang Principle, I almost threw in the towel. I had already published a book, work was busy, my travel schedule was complicated, and both my kids were going through significant transitions. I figured I had enough on my plate, and I was close to telling my publisher that I would not complete the book.
And then I watched the presidential debate, where our now-President called the then-Democratic nominee a “nasty woman.” I got up from the couch and went to my desk. My husband asked, “What are you doing?” My response: “I’m finishing this damn book. This is something I can do.” (Oh and I bought a few T-shirts.)
So, ladies, what can you do? How can you amplify your voice, no matter your level in business, and be heard?
Here are five actionable steps you can take to make a positive difference for yourself and your colleagues.
1. Divide and conquer. If you feel like the women in the meeting are not being heard, then don’t sit together. By sitting apart from other women, the meeting participants will need to physically move their heads to even give the appearance of paying attention to each woman around the table. Also, the body movement alone helps people listen.
2. Take a stand. Actually stand up and pretend to throw something away or refill your drink, and make your point while you’re standing. Where the energy flows, the attention goes. Plus, meeting participants’ eyes will have to go up, which gives your point added impact.
3. Amplify. Build on the statements from your colleagues. For example, you can say, “That is a great idea, and…” Amplify someone else’s point and take it further so you can get your point in.
4. Pay attention. Avoid distractions during meetings. Close your computer to avoid Slack or instant messages, and put away your phone to ignore notifications. In fact, always S.L.A.N.T. in meetings. This means sit up, lean forward, ask questions, nod your head when someone speaks, and talk or contribute in a meaningful way.
5. Believe in yourself. Avoid self-deprecating remarks or disclaimers like, “Sorry, this might be a dumb idea…” Ban “sorry” from your vocabulary. Confidently share your ideas and set the tone that you’re not just a meeting participant, but a contributor who intends to move the discussion forward.
