Being Vulnerable

Being Vulnerable

As a woman, we are told not to show our emotions at workplace, what will be your advice as women leader for us. This was a question asked by a young women professional, when I was sharing my career journey with a group of mid-career women in an org.

I was first taken aback with the question, and it was my biggest realization that moment many people associate being emotional and vulnerable with women at large. It never occur to me before. I have two men at home, my son and my husband both very expressive.

My reply was let’s be ourselves and any day you feel like showing your emotions… do not hesitate. Let's get inspired by cricket legends; Rahul Dravid who showed emotions post T20 world cup victory, Hardik Pandya who cried/smiled and my favourite cricketer Virat Kohli who wears emotions on the sleeve all the time.

In the crusade to be part of workforce, there are many biases which a woman needs to fight with, being vulnerable is one of them.

I invite you to be an ally for women colleagues, and the first step towards that would be the act on these small nuances and biases.

We need diversity, and GENDER being important one to bring different perspective and drive higher business/economic impact... so, let’s not force women to act like men… or other way around. Each one is unique in their own ways and being emotional is showing up your true self and it’s an act of courage.

?

?

Thank you for sharing your journey towards greater awareness of biases. It's inspiring to see such important discussions taking place. What strategies have you found most effective in continuing this journey?

回复
Tim Borys

Certified Executive Coach (CEC/ACC) | Equipping Leaders, Teams, and Business to Thrive | Founder & CEO | Keynote Speaker | Host of The Working Well Podcast

5 个月

Emotion is natural and part of what makes us amazing, nuanced, and complex humans. Asking people what their definition of emotion is and how they feel it should show up in the workplace can help us understand the perspective, biases, and experiences a person is bringing to the table. Perspectives are definitely changing, and with so many generations in the workforce right now, I feel these conversations are more important than ever.

Puja Leekha

Technical Sales Leader - IBM Storage, Asia pacific at IBM

5 个月

Very well written Geeta. As women, we are not only told not to show our emotions at workplace but also when we show emotions outside or at workplace, its looked as weakness & not being able to control our emotions. On the other hand, it actually takes courage to show emotions & be your true self !

Shalini kapoor

Strategic & Visionary IT Leader | Business Continuity | Driving Innovation & Digital Transformation

5 个月

Well said Geeta, thanks for sharing!

Preeti Jain

Human Resources | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Employee Engagement I Policies and Programs I Training I Talent & Leadership Development I Mentor I HRAI 23 DEI leaders of 2023. (Views are my own)

5 个月

What a powerful reflection Geeta Gurnani It's fascinating how societal norms shape our perceptions of emotions in the workplace. When someone expresses emotions, they not only break stereotypes but also pave the way for a more inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to be their true selves. How safe it would be where emotional intelligence is recognized as a key leadership quality and is a must have.

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Geeta Gurnani的更多文章

  • Are you a (Working) Woman ?

    Are you a (Working) Woman ?

    Often a question asked to women, out of many others like "How do you manage work-life balance?" Recently, one of my…

    17 条评论
  • It’s Sunday let’ talk (non)work - Elderly Care

    It’s Sunday let’ talk (non)work - Elderly Care

    When my mom fell in bathroom mid-last year, I thought it is simply getting her operated, care of 6 weeks and back to…

    52 条评论
  • Change your lenses not the frame - Be An Ally

    Change your lenses not the frame - Be An Ally

    You are an adult and a seasoned professional, and no one should be telling you what to do and when. You know your…

    18 条评论
  • Progressivity in 2024

    Progressivity in 2024

    Disclaimer :-) - My sharing by no means is my New Year Resolution Progressivity : advancement toward better conditions..

    11 条评论
  • Suspension of Thoughts

    Suspension of Thoughts

    “Suspension of thoughts, impulses, judgments, etc., lies at the very heart of Dialogue”, said David Bohm in the book “…

    21 条评论
  • Busy Bee – The New Status Quo

    Busy Bee – The New Status Quo

    Culturally we have entered a space where “More is Good”, Earn more, Learn more, Be better than others, and in essence…

    28 条评论
  • Vo kaam(Work) bhala kya kaam hua.. My Mojo at Work

    Vo kaam(Work) bhala kya kaam hua.. My Mojo at Work

    People who know me have always seen me enjoying my work or even activities outside of my work to the fullest. I make…

    9 条评论
  • Difficulty of being Good, How I see

    Difficulty of being Good, How I see

    A timeless book and reference manual for me, over multiple occasions of life. This is a dilemma which all of us face…

    4 条评论
  • What do you want to be and what success means to you?

    What do you want to be and what success means to you?

    What you want to be as you grow up asked the mole… “Kind” said the boy. What do you think success is…? “To love,” said…

    16 条评论
  • Why am I Diversity??

    Why am I Diversity??

    A couple of years back, I was on a call with someone, and my son, aged 13–14 at the time, was in the same room. I…

    6 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了