7 Behaviors That Instantly Lower Your Status at Work
In 28 years at Nokia and Microsoft, I saw brilliant women being passed over again and again. Their work was never the problem. It was these seven habits, and almost no one tells you about them.
1. Waiting for permission to lead
Director roles go to people who are already acting at that level.
2. Leading with how busy you are
Managers talk about workload. Directors talk about priorities.
3. Ending with “Does that make sense?”
Managers check for approval. Directors close with “Here’s what I recommend.”
4. Sharing data without a point of view
Numbers alone make you the analyst. A recommendation makes you the leader.
5. Waiting for the most senior person to speak first
The women who moved up had an opinion and shared it, even with executives.
6. Apologizing before you add something
“Sorry, just a quick thought…” tells the room to discount what comes next.
7. Making yourself small in the room
Sit at the table, not along the wall. Take up space physically and verbally.
