Career & Money
Taking up space. Setting boundaries. Using our voices. These are all actions we have come to embrace as Black women who have bills to pay, legacies to leave, businesses to run, and deals to close. But what does this really look like in action?
For many successful Black women, it's about the words we use and how we use them, whether affirmations, calls to action, mottos, or living missions. And there are major power phrases that are common among the women we all admire and the leaders who keep the business engines running in America.
Here are 9 statements that assert power, set boundaries, and empower that any ambitious Black woman should have in her daily arsenal when at work:
1. “I respectfully disagree, and here’s why.”
Successful women speak up when they disagree, especially when their insights might be a better way to approach or solve a problem. And according to experts, "Healthy conflict is a powerful way to unlock diverse ideas and opinions from all the smart people."
Offering counterpoints and having healthy discourse when it comes to disagreement has been found to also contribute to workplace fulfillment, innovation, and creativity, all things that successful women leaders embrace and contribute to as well.
2. “I appreciate your feedback, and I’ll consider it.”
Being open to constructive criticism or other ways of looking at things is the mark of a great leader. They're never the only one "right" in a room, nor are they the "smartest." They know that it's the people around them---the very capable members of their teams---who are vital to their success and the overall success of a department or company.
In a discussion with students and staff at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Oprah Winfrey talked about the importance of valuing people’s insights and feelings. She added that three vital questions must be considered, especially when you don't agree with someone's feedback: “Did you hear me? Did you see me? Did what I say mean anything to you?”
3. “I will follow up with you if I have any additional questions. Thank you.”
This sets a tone of not only acknowledging someone's efforts but ensuring they know that constant micromanaging or annoying follow-ups (about something you're very aware needs to get done) are unnecessary and not welcome.
Time is also a key factor here since successful leaders have very little of it to waste. In order to manage their time and fully function in their roles, indicating a clear indication of follow-up versus having a long conversation or debate in the moment is a better idea.
4. “Thank you for your time today.”
It's always just good manners to thank someone for taking the time to offer their talent, time, and efforts. It's also another way to acknowledge value, whether someone is an intern or a high-profile executive. The most powerful CEOs and entrepreneurs have embraced the power of a simple "Thank you," noting the benefits to morale and showcasing their values.
Successful women endear themselves to both clients and their direct reports when they have a spirit of gratitude and put it to good use.
5. “I have a few more vital points to share on this.”
This statement is an attestation of "taking up space" in action, especially when someone tries to silence you or cut the sharing of your vital insights short. We've seen this statement put into play with Vice President Kamala Harris in her debates with Donald Trump, as well as the infamous "Reclaiming my time" quote from Rep. Maxine Waters.
Utilizing your voice and ensuring that you're able to be fully understood for your intelligence, status, and experience is a must.
6. "No."
Yes, this is a statement. Successful women unapologetically say this often, and you don't need to make excuses or explain. Sometimes the answer is simply "No." Offering reasons can sometimes downplay your right to decline to do anything you don't want to do or no longer have the mental or physical capacity to sustain, especially if it's something outside of your job duties, pay level, or expertise.
7. "Our team did an excellent job on this. Let’s celebrate!”
Oftentimes, it's easy for company leaders to just keep pushing to the next project without acknowledging the wins of one that was just completed. Successful leaders know that in order to retain top talent, accomplishments must be publicly announced, celebrated, and rewarded.
8. “I have several projects to complete that need my full attention. Can we delegate this to _____ instead?”
Delegation is key for success, especially the higher you climb in your career, and setting a boundary on your time is important. When you have so many duties and tasks to juggle, it can get overwhelming and lead to burnout or worse, offering low-quality work.
Taking a stand on what you're capable of handling at one time is the best way to not only preserve your sanity but also ensure you'll remain successful and respected for excellent work in the long run.
9. “I’ve offered value and deserve a pay increase. Here’s what I propose.”
Unequal pay is still a problem for Black women in the workplace, and one key factor that contributes to a solution is demanding raises when we deserve them. One thing a successful woman won't do is allow herself to stay underpaid for long. They document their wins, discuss tangible return on investment of their time and talents, and negotiate what they deserve.
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