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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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I'm Not Yelling summary
Elizabeth Leiba
A Black Woman's Guide to Navigating the Workplace
17 mins
Brief summary
I'm Not Yelling by Elizabeth Leiba is an enlightening book that explores the impact of tone and communication in our daily lives. It offers practical advice on how to effectively communicate with empathy and understanding.
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I'm Not Yelling
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Key idea 1 of 4
Own your story; own your voice
The American poet, memorist, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, once said, “You can’t know where you’re going unless you know where you came from.”
As so many Black women haven’t allowed themselves the time and space to unravel and investigate their stories, they’ve made it hard to tap into the power of their voices.
This held for Leiba who, upon deciding to step into her authentic, unapologetic self, realized she didn’t know who she was. Yes, she was a British-born, American-raised female, über-professional, and subject-matter expert in higher education. But that was just the surface layer. Who was she at her core? And what stories was this socially accepted front failing to acknowledge and incorporate?
For one, it denied the existence of her exuberant, expressive, colorful inner child – an aspect of herself extinguished while at college. It hid the tale of her arrest at 19 years old after being falsely accused of stealing a $2.49 pack of AA batteries. And it didn’t reveal anything of the three hard-earned master’s degrees, hours of unappreciated overtime, and bouts of depression. These threads of shame, prejudice, and struggle weren’t as palatable as the carefully crafted narrative Leiba was sharing before the COVID-19 pandemic. But it wasn’t until she wove these threads in that she uncovered her true reserves of confidence and creativity.
Leiba’s bold reclaiming of her story and voice put some people off. It also attracted people and opportunities she could never have imagined, such as journalists from the New York Times and Forbes, speaking engagements, and her very own podcast. Those few individuals who weren’t picking up what she was putting down? Well, she was no longer interested in sitting at tables where respect wasn’t being served.
If you’re ready to follow Leiba’s lead and embrace your wholeness, take a moment to reflect deeply on who you are and what you want your message to be.
Some questions you can ask yourself include: What did you want to be as a child? Who were your heroes growing up? How much of your story do you want to share? How can you leverage your voice to reach more people? What do you want your legacy to be?
Then, to support you in showing up with your full narrative and voice, keep an affirmation or two with you as you go about your day. You could try, “I release limiting beliefs of my past” or “I’m proud of who I am today.” “I value my story” or “My voice is powerful.”
To invoke Maya Angelou once more, “There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside you.” Consider this your permission slip to finally honor your story and voice.
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What is I'm Not Yelling about?
I’m Not Yelling (2022) is part memoir, part tactical guide for Black women navigating corporate America. Filled with anecdotes and statistical data, it highlights the unique challenges Black women face in the workplace, and offers a range of reflections, strategies, and affirmations to empower you to step into your full potential.
I'm Not Yelling Review
I'm Not Yelling by Elizabeth Leiba (2022) offers a refreshing perspective on effective communication and overcoming conflict. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- It provides practical strategies for handling disagreements and expressing ourselves assertively, improving our relationships and daily interactions.
- With a blend of personal stories, research findings, and relatable examples, the book is insightful, relatable, and thought-provoking.
- Its engaging approach to the topic of communication keeps readers hooked, presenting a wealth of knowledge in an accessible and entertaining way.
Who should read I'm Not Yelling?
- Black businesswomen and female entrepreneurs
- Anyone wanting to educate themselves on the Black experience in America
- Individuals of minority groups committed to reclaiming their voice in the workplace
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I'm Not Yelling FAQs
What is the main message of I'm Not Yelling?
The main message of I'm Not Yelling is about effective communication and resolving conflicts peacefully.
How long does it take to read I'm Not Yelling?
The reading time for I'm Not Yelling varies, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is I'm Not Yelling a good book? Is it worth reading?
I'm Not Yelling is worth reading for its practical tips on communication and interpersonal relationships.
Who is the author of I'm Not Yelling?
The author of I'm Not Yelling is Elizabeth Leiba.
What to read after I'm Not Yelling?
If you're wondering what to read next after I'm Not Yelling, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Think This, Not That by Josh Axe
- The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
- 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin
- Necessary Endings by Henry Cloud
- The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins
- The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan with Benjamin Hardy
- A Year of Positive Thinking by Cyndie Spiegel
- Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
- Fight Right by Julie Schwartz Gottman
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman and Nan Silver