Having navigated the male-dominated world of architecture, something's been nagging at me recently: the way so many women are communicating. I'll be blunt: I just don't get the rationale behind the gratuitous use of the f-word and derogatory titles in the name of women's empowerment.
I'm honestly perplexed by the all-too-common tirade posts where women loudly state a litany of reasons why they don't need to be "nice," and some even take pride in calling themselves a "bitch." Are they all taking cues from the same petulant mentor?
This ranting style, especially on a professional platform like LinkedIn, really baffles me. Instead of contributing to a toxic atmosphere that pulls everyone down, shouldn't we aspire to elevate the discourse, rather than meet it at its lowest point?
The Low Bar Isn't Our Bar
Let's be real, we've all heard some colorful language from our male counterparts, whether it's at the water cooler or in those business meetings. Sorry to call you out, guys! But when it comes to professional platforms like LinkedIn, they generally clean it up. Why, then, are we lowering our standards? Shouldn't we, as women, set our bar high rather than limbo under the lowest standards that have been traditionally set by men? By elevating our standards, we effectively invite others to do the same.
The Power of Elevation
The way we communicate sends a message not just about us, but also sets a precedent for our peers and the younger generation. The important message: Empowerment doesn't need to strip us of dignity. Elevation in our discourse can actually fuel empowerment, offering a strong foundation for mutual respect and understanding. When we communicate with grace, our words carry more weight, making lasting impressions that go beyond mere shock value.
On Jewelry Design and Beyond
This trend isn't exclusive to vocabulary; it extends to other forms of expression, such as my field of jewelry design. I've observed female designers creating pieces that could be seen as anything but uplifting. I promise to dig deeper into this in a future article, but for now, let's recognize that the issue is multi-faceted and deserves our attention. We should be extending our high standards to all aspects of professional life.
Femininity and Strength: Allies, Not Enemies
Who said being strong means forsaking femininity? Strength and femininity can and should be allies. We can be assertive without being aggressive, confident without being arrogant. Embracing both femininity and strength enriches our personal and professional lives, offering a well-rounded model for success.
Influence Through Excellence
The essence of professionalism lies in effective communication. Words framed in respect and assertiveness achieve more, leaving a lasting impact. We don't need to resort to vulgar tactics to make a point or to leave an impression. Excellence in our speech translates into influence, and that influence can be both powerful and positive.
Leading by Example
We're role models, whether we like it or not. Our communication style can inspire a new generation of women to embrace both strength and grace. We have a unique opportunity to set the tone for how young professional women perceive themselves and how they will be perceived by others.
Constructing a culture of respect
On wide-reaching social platforms, like LinkedIn, we should find inspiration to bring out our best selves. At Gatto Mancini, I prioritize promoting dignity and respect in every interaction. I know, together, as women, we have the power to elevate the quality of professional dialogue and set a tone of mutual respect. Are you ready to join me in raising the bar?