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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Likeable Badass summary
Alison Fragale
The New Science of Successful Women
16 mins
Brief summary
Likeable Badass by Alison Fragale combines charisma and assertiveness techniques to help us gain respect and build influence without sacrificing kindness, emphasizing the balance between being liked and being strong leaders.
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Likeable Badass
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The workplace paradox for women
You’ve probably heard the phrase “glass ceiling.” It’s that invisible barrier that seems to stop women from reaching the top rungs of the corporate ladder. But what if I told you there’s more to it than just a ceiling? It’s more like a maze, filled with twists and turns that can leave even the most talented women feeling lost and frustrated.
Meet Sarah, a brilliant marketing manager. She’s smart, hardworking, and full of innovative ideas. Yet every time she speaks up in meetings, she notices her male colleagues’ eyes glazing over. When Tom from accounting suggests the same idea a few minutes later, suddenly everyone’s nodding along. Sound familiar?
This is the workplace paradox many women face. You’re expected to be confident and assertive to get ahead, but when you do, you’re often labeled as bossy – or, worse, aggressive. It’s like being told to cross a river without getting wet – seemingly impossible.
Now, you might think the solution is simple: just focus on gaining more power. After all, that’s what all those women in leadership programs are about. But here’s the kicker: power isn’t the whole story. It’s about status and respect, too.
Think about it. When was the last time you heard about a Respect Women in the Workplace Day? We have an Equal Pay Day, but no Equal Respect Day. And while this focus on power isn’t wrong, it’s missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.
That’s because power doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s given to you by others. Whether it’s a promotion, a raise, or even just having your ideas heard in a meeting, someone else is making that decision. And they’re basing it on how much they respect and admire you – in other words, your status.
So, while you’re working hard to climb that corporate ladder, remember that it’s not just about being powerful. It’s about being respected. It’s about changing perceptions and breaking down stereotypes. It’s about being seen as both competent and likeable – a tricky balance, but not an impossible one.
The good news is that you’re not alone in this journey. Women everywhere are facing these challenges and finding ways to overcome them. By understanding this paradox, you’re already one step ahead. In the coming chapters, we’ll explore strategies to navigate this maze, build your status, and claim the success you deserve – all while staying true to yourself.
Remember, you’re not just climbing a ladder. You’re reshaping the very structure of the workplace. And that is a challenge worth taking on.
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What is Likeable Badass about?
Likeable Badass (2024) offers a groundbreaking approach to women’s career advancement. This insightful guide reveals how women can navigate workplace challenges by mastering the delicate balance between assertiveness and likeability, ultimately reshaping organizational cultures for greater equity and success.
Who should read Likeable Badass?
- Women at all stages of their careers, from entry-level to executive positions
- Human resources professionals focused on diversity and inclusion
- Anyone interested in supporting gender equity in the workplace
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