Own your work and your space
Many women tend to hesitate or overthink what they bring to the table during team meetings and group discussions – because we have been conditioned to doubt ourselves.
Remember that you bring something unique to the table – that could be your thought process, eye for detail, certifications, domain knowledge, or your own individual lens to see things. No one understands and knows your ideas better than you, so it’s important to structure your ideas and present them during meetings. While all your ideas will not find validation at the table, that is not a reason to get disheartened – just by speaking up, you have created a niche for yourself. That’s plus one for you!
The 3 B’s – be prepared, be assertive, be confident
When you go for a meeting where you need to present, make sure to have all your facts and figures ready. While any new team member would have to be vigilant to establish themselves, this can be more relevant for women entering a new team. You have the knowledge and the skillset – all you need is to keep your data points handy to support your stance. As women, you are also paving the path for other women who may enter the team in the future; thus, it’s important to not just take your seat at the table but to make sure that you are assertive and confident in your thoughts, comments, and opinions. Slowly but surely, it will become a habit rather than a conscious choice.