Monday Musings - Girl Power
I read a post on LinkedIn this past week with this quote, “Stop teaching girls that being nice is more important than having a voice”. Then a slew of comments that seemingly supported girl power, even one saying that retailers should stop putting statements like “be kind” on girls clothing. Well you know me, that made me stop and really ponder. On a few things. Especially because I have a closet full of my personal beliefs on my t-shirts and I’m proud to wear them, especially as a woman.
While I think I understand the intent around this person’s message - that maybe, ‘being nice’ meant not speaking up (and we should definitely speak up). We need to be careful how we continue to push out, especially as women, that we need to stop “being nice”.
You know what would make the world better, if we were even louder about kindness, compassion and empathy. As women, we are biologically created to tune in to these skills and we should embrace it and use it. Personally, I consider this my super girl power. I've learned this is something I do better than most men (not all, but most).
Do you know that there is evidence that kind people are more intelligent. Here’s a LI article you can read that dives in to it. But in a nut shell, kindness, niceness, compassion and empathy - they take the ability to reason, to adapt to change, to use forethought and to think outside yourself. Why on earth would we not want our gender associated with those types of skills.
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I have worked hard for over 20 years to instill in BOTH my daughter and my son that they have a voice and they should speak up for themselves, but only after they’ve looked at the situation through a lens of kindness and empathy:
When it comes to kindness & having a voice - neither is more important than the other, in fact - they are each much stronger, when they are used together.
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?Director of Sales | Advocate for Women in Homebuilding | Speaker | Host of The Rise and Shine Podcast ?
1 年This is an important talk to have with our daughters. My one daughter is highly empathetic. This truly is a gift. BUT I’m trying to teach her how to remain assertive. Kindness includes kindness to yourself. I tell her if you are sad because you keep saying okay and yes to what your sister or friends want to do then that’s not kindness to yourself. It’s okay to take turns. Knowing something is import to someone else doesn’t mean your needs are now less important. I hope she always remains nice and kind and considerate but as much for herself as others.
Heart-Centered Business Mentor | Leadership and Culture Architect | Business Growth Strategist
1 年Great article! Kindness and having a voice are not mutually exclusive
Empowering homebuilders to forge powerful connections with top-tier real estate agents
1 年I feel this!! Thank you for putting it into a beautiful musing! Very important message.
Word Surrogate / Creative Brainstormer / Author Coach / Content Specialist / Passionate Writer
1 年Being kind doesn't make a person soft. It shows the depth and strength of their heart and soul. We need more kindness, less judgment, less hurtful commentary. Thank you once again, Abbie Mirata, for inspiring me!!!!
Builder Marketing Leader | Passionate Building Industry Champion | 20+ Years of Building Better Brands | CX Advocate
1 年I love this, Abbie, and I appreciate what you instill in your son and daughter. The world would be a better place if we could all find a way to be kind without confusing that for being a pushover.