By In the past few weeks, I’ve discussed why it is so important for Black women, in particular, to be a disruptor in the workplace. Some of you have expressed your concern over stepping out and stepping up. Others of you are ready to Thelma and Louise this work! No matter where you stand, you need a roadmap as to how to achieve your disruption effectively. I gave you steps one and two last week. Below are steps three through five to conclude.
3. Be a Resource
When you’re always the one with the latest information or the best ideas, people will start to see you as a thought leader in your field.
One way to do this is to seek out opportunities to share your knowledge actively. Ask to lead a training or give a presentation on a topic you’re passionate about. You can also share your insights more informally by starting or joining conversations on social media, writing blog posts or articles, or even just chatting with co-workers at the water cooler.
The more you put yourself out there, the more people will see you as an authority on your chosen subject – and the more likely they are to come to you when they need help or advice.
4. Be Confident
This one is easier said than done, but it’s important to remember that confidence is key when it comes to disrupting the status quo.
If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. So it’s important to project an air of confidence, even if you don’t feel it 100% of the time. The more confident you appear, the more likely people will be to take you seriously and listen to what you have to say.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail
Disruption by definition, is not a conventional path. So it’s important to accept that failure is a possibility – and even a probability – when trying to do something new and different.
The important thing is not to let your fear of failure hold you back. It’s okay to make mistakes – in fact, it’s essential if you want to learn and grow. What matters is that you get back up and try again.
Stepping into your role as a disruptor can feel huge, but it’s also incredibly empowering. And when you put these five tips into practice, you’ll be well on your way to making waves in your workplace.
So go out there and show the world what you’re made of. It’s time to disrupt!
What do you think?