We all know the drill. Work hard, build your expertise, and you’ll rise to the top. Simple, right? Well, if you’re a woman, not so much. Sure, expertise is important—no one’s denying that. But relying solely on your knowledge and skills won’t necessarily get you that promotion or recognition you deserve. There’s more at play here, and let’s face it: the workplace isn’t just about what you know, but how you show up, how you advocate for yourself, and yes, sometimes even who you know.
So, what’s missing? What else does a woman need to make her mark in the workplace?
It’s About Visibility, Not Just Capability
Let’s be honest: women are often raised to believe that hard work will eventually pay off. That if you work hard enough, people will notice and recognize your brilliance. But, reality check—most of the time, they don’t. Expertise alone won’t cut it. A woman can be the most talented in her team, but if she’s not visible enough, that expertise won’t get her far. It’s not about sitting in a corner and waiting for the accolades to rain down. It’s about making sure your contributions are seen and heard.
How do you do this? Be present. Speak up. Don’t wait for someone to ask for your opinion; offer it. Whether it’s in a meeting or through email, make sure you’re being seen and heard for what you bring to the table. Yes, you might have a lot of knowledge, but if no one knows about it, that knowledge will go to waste.
“If you’re not seen, you’re not being considered. And if you’re not being considered, you can’t move ahead.”
Confidence is Key
This is the elephant in the room. We all know it: women tend to downplay their accomplishments. We get praised for a job well done, and our first instinct is to deflect the praise or shrug it off. It’s as though we’ve been taught that taking credit for our success is somehow “bragging.” But if you don’t speak up and claim your victories, no one else will either.
Confidence doesn’t mean you have to act like you know everything. It’s about owning what you know, acknowledging your successes, and standing tall. Sure, you might stumble, but confidence isn’t about never failing. It’s about continuing to walk forward even when you do. Remember, the most successful women don’t just know things—they own them.
Networking, or Who You Know Matters
Let’s not sugarcoat this: networking is often the key that unlocks doors in many industries. But it’s not about showing up to a happy hour with your boss or kissing up to higher-ups. It’s about genuine relationships, mentorship, and learning from others.
Unfortunately, women often get the short end of the networking stick. Studies have shown that men tend to have more networking opportunities, which can lead to higher salaries, promotions, and a greater sense of career fulfillment. But networking isn’t just about connecting with the right people. It’s about creating a supportive ecosystem for yourself where you can grow and be encouraged.
This means finding a mentor who gets it—someone who can offer you guidance, feedback, and maybe even open a few doors. But more than that, it means building relationships with other women in your field. Sisterhood is powerful. Women supporting women is not just some feel-good mantra; it’s a strategy for success.
Emotions Are Part of the Package
Here’s something that often goes unspoken—women are emotional creatures. And that’s okay. In fact, emotions can be one of your strongest tools in the workplace. The key is learning how to use them strategically.
In environments where women are underrepresented, we’re often taught to suppress emotions to avoid being seen as “too sensitive” or “hormonal.” But emotions can bring clarity, empathy, and a level of emotional intelligence that’s absolutely vital to leadership. Emotional intelligence is often what separates a good manager from a great one.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t suppress it—acknowledge it, take a deep breath, and assess the situation. Use your emotions as a guide. But also know when to turn them down a notch when you’re making a tough decision. The balance is tricky, but once you get it, it’s a power move.
Being a “Yes” Woman Won’t Get You Far
Women are often socialized to say “yes” to everything. Be the accommodating one. Don’t rock the boat. Help everyone. Take on extra work to prove you’re capable. But here’s the catch: this can backfire.
Being a “yes” woman might seem like the fastest way to get noticed, but it often leads to burnout. It’s a trap. You can’t be everything to everyone. The key here is learning to say “no” gracefully. Saying “no” isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. It’s about knowing your boundaries, protecting your energy, and maintaining a sense of control over your workload.
You’ve got to know when to fight for your time and when to delegate. Prioritize your own well-being and career goals. Remember: saying no to others often means saying yes to yourself.
The Impostor Syndrome Monster
Ah, impostor syndrome. The sneaky little gremlin that tells you you’re not qualified, you’re not good enough, and everyone’s just waiting for you to fail. If you’ve ever doubted your abilities, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
For women, impostor syndrome can feel like a constant shadow. We question whether we really belong in certain spaces or if we just got lucky. But here’s the truth: you earned your spot. The minute you start doubting your worth is the minute you start selling yourself short.
Stop comparing yourself to others. Stop letting that voice in your head tell you that you’re an impostor. It’s time to stand firm in your achievements and shut down that negative self-talk. You are qualified. You belong. And you’re more than capable.
Conclusion: Don’t Just Show Up—Show Out
At the end of the day, expertise is necessary, but it’s not the only thing that’ll help you succeed. The workplace isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about navigating the social landscape, having confidence, and building meaningful connections.
As women, we have to play the game differently. We have to be loud, proud, and unapologetic. You can be the expert in the room, but if you’re not taking the steps to show it, if you’re not speaking up, networking, and confidently owning your achievements, your expertise will only take you so far.
It’s time to stop playing it small. Step into your power.