There is a fine line between empowering women and between being a feminist manifesto, and #GIRLBOSS treads it lightly. In fact, I think if you took out all of the references to being a “girl” and just referred to it as #BOSS, the book would resonate equally with males and females. However, it isn’t, and we are Ms. Career Girl, so therefore we will henceforth discuss this topic as #GIRLBOSS.
If you are looking for career inspiration, you should, without a doubt, pick up a copy of this book. If you want to start or advance your career, #GIRLBOSS will give you the inspiration to do so. Although it is based on entrepreneurial spirit, the lessons and takeaways are applicable to climbing the corporate ladder, as well as small businesses, and of course, entrepreneurship itself. However, this book is not a manual, so take the lessons enclosed and apply them to your own situation. Here are 7 ways to channel your inner #GIRLBOSS and rise to the top in your chosen career:
1. Take advice with a grain of salt (or don’t take it at all)
Not all advice is good advice, you need to learn when to trust yourself or trust someone else who does not know the full scope of your situation. Do what you need to do to achieve your #GIRLBOSS heights!
Karyn Christner
2. Don’t assume “failing” means that you are not cut out for something
Success does not equal diploma + degree + full time career. Some of the most successful people in this world took the unconventional route and created their own version of success. Don’t be afraid to forge your own path.
3. When nothing goes right, go left
If you’re looking for desk jobs, but much prefer being out and about, stop applying for desk jobs and look for a sales role or something where you can be out in the world, connecting with people on a day to day basis. Climb out of that pigeon hole and dive into something you really care about.
Creative Commons: spDuchamp
4. Stay true to you
Keep true to your internal moral compass throughout your entire career. Even when you’ve achieved top #GIRLBOSS status, remind yourself of why you are there. Don’t lose sight of the little things, and when someone (such as a direct report) tries to make you compromise your own moral/standards code, think about whether you should be compromising them instead.
5. Keep realistic goals in mind
Many great businesses were not started with the idea of becoming a great business. Facebook was originally just for Harvard students, and now it’s a global goldmine! Yes, you should always challenge yourself to reach new heights, but don’t bite off more than you can chew. Set incremental goals that you can achieve in the short term and give yourself the satisfaction of checking a goal off of your “to do” list more often than once in a lifetime.
6. Surround yourself with cheerleaders
(Not Literally)
This should be a given, but surround yourself with people who lift you up, not who weigh you down. Your friends and family, or whoever you choose to clue in on your ventures, should be supportive and happy to see you climb the ladder.
Creative Commons: Dani Jace
7. Dress for the job you want
Also known as “fake it til you make it,” dressing for the job you want will force those around you to perceive you as capable and ready, rather than a “potential” or an “understudy.” Similar to the line between empowerment and feminism, the line between confident and cocky is very thin. Err on the side of confidence, but don’t shy away from expressing your accomplishments.
Let’s see your #GIRLBOSS goals in the comments below!