Who run the world? Girls. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, 2016 marked the year where the most women ever were heading S&P 500 companies. While women continue to take the world by storm, we are still too often stereotyped as aggressive, bossy and bitchy.
And I am here to remind you that we have the power to reclaim those labels.
For all you badass women who slay, embrace your success by remembering these qualities that make a real “bitch” in the workplace.
Boldness.
To be successful in any aspect of your life and career, it takes being bold which might entail speaking up when no one else is willing and making the final call on decisions for the better of the group. Yet we women are called bossy more often than men in the workplace according to this study.
However, research on the impact of bold leadership shows boldness has a positive effect on perceived effectiveness including taking more calculated risks, thinking outside the box and being more decisive.
Fellow blogger, Sofie Von Marricks of Hot Rich Love Your Life Bitch, was bold enough to build a profitable empire as a life coach by reclaiming the label of “bitch” and making it a defining trait of kick-ass women entrepreneurs.
The next time someone calls you bossy, remember your boldness is what got you where you are today.
Inspirational.
One of the most frustrating things a woman can be called is “intimidating.” While men admit they are attracted to smart women, they are also intimidated with the idea of actually dating a woman smarter than they are. The next time anyone calls you intimidating, realize you are inspirational.
We all aspire to be successful in our own personal goals. When you see someone else you identify as having reached that level of success (whatever your definition of success might be) that you have yet to achieve, it can bring up feelings of inadequacy, jealousy and even intimidation. (We’ve all been there!) You have the power to inspire others to be their best selves. Don’t let haters get you down; we all know jealousy can easily cloud anyone’s judgement.
Tenacity.
Are you a go-getter? Driven? Determined? Then you know damn well how tenacious you are. Unfortunately, women who display these kinds of characteristics were given “negative personality criticism” in nearly 75 percent of performance reviews while men received little to no negative feedback.
In moments like this, “Do not learn how to react, learn how to respond.” Know your worth, own your work and don’t be afraid to set the record straight with those who are quick to assume they know more about you than you do.
Confidence.
Like Devi Lovato says, “What’s wrong with being confident?” Nothing, except when your haters misconstrue your unwavering confidence in yourself as cockiness.
From dealing with office politics to disagreeing with other colleagues, being confident means you can genuinely acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses and communicate that to others around you. Self-confidence comes from an authentic place while cockiness is rooted in insecurity.
Don’t allow others to project their insecurities on you. Stay confident in yourself and you will command the respect you deserve. I mean, who doesn’t love a bad bitch.
Humility.
No matter how successful, rich or powerful you are, real bitches remember to stay humble. Even if you are the bomb.com, you know to treat all people with respect and to remain teachable regardless of what you already know.
Have you ever been described as bossy, aggressive or even a bitch in the workplace? How do you reclaim these labels? Share your thoughts with me below!
David Elliott
August 12, 2017 at 7:57 amI think it’s truly sad that the world has decided to take things negatively about women that they would describe in glowing positive terms about men. Women should be able to be considered confident and tenacious and not cocky or narrow-minded.
Katrina H.
August 13, 2017 at 3:52 pmHi David, it is very sad! I can only home more change will come with the future of rising female leaders. Thanks for your kind words!
Jasmin N
August 12, 2017 at 9:13 amI protect my own desk like a mamabear, but never been called any of those 😀 this was such an interesting read!
Katrina H.
August 13, 2017 at 3:53 pmThanks Jasmin!
Борка Шаула
August 13, 2017 at 8:33 amThis was so interesting to read, and true! There’s nothing wrong about being bossy, if you are good at your job. Women nowadays are so great, that they run the world indeed!
Katrina H.
August 13, 2017 at 3:54 pmThanks so much! Considering the blogging community is a female dominated profession, I def think people need to check themselves!
Amy M
August 13, 2017 at 11:10 amI like your definition breakdowns. I have SO much i could say on the subject but i’ll spare you reading my subday evening rant xx
Katrina H.
August 13, 2017 at 3:55 pmThanks for reading Amy! Haha I would love to hear more from you
Thehyppomyselfthecat
August 14, 2017 at 12:28 amGreat tips, especially tenacity….can make a big difference!
Katrina H.
August 14, 2017 at 9:33 pmExactly! Being tenacious in your work and passion goes a long way!
Perla
August 14, 2017 at 1:40 amI haven’t been called that way until now but you never know. 🙂 I hope the perception of people will change in the future and strong women will be viewed differently.
Katrina H.
August 14, 2017 at 9:34 pmThe future is female 😉 I am confident the future will change. Thanks for stopping by!
Michelle @ And Then We Tried
August 14, 2017 at 6:12 amSome days I have to remind MYSELF that it’s not “aggressive” to stand up for myself or my ideas at work. I’m working on owning it and being a boss-bitch every day.
Katrina H.
August 14, 2017 at 9:35 pmGet it girlie! Nothing wrong with standing your ground! <3
Katja
August 14, 2017 at 6:45 amI am totally a badass bitch at work. I am confident, intelligent, strong ladyboss who is not afraid to speak out and inflict change. Loving every minute of it.
Katja xxx
http://www.katnapped.com
Katrina H.
August 14, 2017 at 9:36 pmNow that’s what I call a bad bitch 😉 Proud of you girlie!
Marissa
August 14, 2017 at 10:47 pmI love this! I hate how men and women can display the same traits, but women are called negative names.
Katrina H.
January 6, 2018 at 10:47 amExactly! Totally unfair. It’s grating to have to constantly assert yourself just because of a misconception. Well he future is female and change is coming!