How to increase confidence, show your true self, and be rewarded at work

Irina Soriano is Vice president at Seismic, the global leader in enablement. She is a TEDx and keynote speaker and author of generation branda modern playbook for cultivating one’s life brand to develop long-term, career-changing skills.

Held back by the typical social and professional barriers, my insecurity grew that I wasn’t good enough to advance faster or get paid better. It held me in place for some time. But when I made the decision to leave the company, I could finally start pursuing the career and life I wanted. And the reward was worth it.

Women in the workplace will still earn 82 cents for every dollar men earn in 2022, according to data from Payscale (same as in 2021). Report on the gender pay gap. However, as women seek to return to the labor market as we continue to push for equality in the workplace, companies and employees do not have the privilege of being patient.

3 tips to gain respect at work

In most workplaces, I’ve found that women need to enforce respect, not demand it. This is how employees can create more scope:

• Build your confidence: Despite our innate power, women suffer from a lack of energy confidence, which is dramatically affecting our career path and opportunities. The next time you don’t get on the project team, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback on why. Or if a co-worker gets a promotion that suits you better, discuss the situation openly with your manager to understand the reasoning. If you believe you are worth it, others will follow suit. In addition, you set an example for the next generation of women in shaping a career.
• Define your purpose: True success comes from serving others, and serving others becomes more effective with purpose. your purpose doesn’t have to be groundbreaking – it can be as simple as a passion, profession or interest. If you feel your role is not serving your purpose, ask team leaders or senior management how to engage more in tasks that allow you to grow your skills and shine. Ask to participate in projects that take you out of your comfort zone. Be bold when asking questions and making recommendations. The more risks you take, the wider you can cast your net and expand your skills.
• Increase your authenticity: I (and many women) have been told since my early career that I was “too ambitious”, “too intense”, “too loud”…everything. These comments force us into a female stereotype and lead many women to hide their true selves for fear that they will not be liked or accepted in their company. In order to set an excellent example for the next generation of women, doing so is imperative authentic in what you are and what you do Merely ticking boxes adds no value to a company. We need women and all employees to let their true selves shine without apology.

Women trying to advance their careers and salaries are often forced to take supporting roles with lower pay grades. There is a daily double standard in the workplace that we are still working to overcome in order to use our power and take advantage of the opportunities available to us.

Because of this, earning yourself respect is crucial in order to advance at the same pace as your male peers, especially when you work in male-dominated industries. Enforcing respect through your attitude, actions, and behavior is key combating gender parity– and, more precisely, to be accepted for who you are. Your confident self may not emerge overnight, but with time and practice, it can transform your career for the better.