Let's face it, ladies, the desire to be liked is hardwired into our DNA. It's a primal urge, a leftover from our cavewoman days. Back then, being ostracized from the tribe meant certain death (hello, saber-toothed tigers, and lack of Netflix!).
So, yeah, wanting to belong, be accepted, and snag that coveted "thumbs up" from the group is perfectly normal.
But here's the thing: there's a massive difference between wanting to be liked and needing to be liked. While the first is a natural human yearning, the second can morph into a career-crippling, people-pleasing monster.
Think about it: how often do you hold back that brilliant idea in a meeting because you're afraid of criticism? Do you shy away from taking on challenging projects for fear of disappointing someone (even if that someone is that pesky voice in your head disguised as your manager)?
Newsflash: There will always be people who don't vibe with your awesomeness. But here's the secret sauce: their opinion shouldn't define or hold you back.
Linda Macelova, your career coach, gets it. See, she works with countless women in STEM who struggle with the need for approval. They're brilliant minds with groundbreaking ideas, yet they hold themselves back for fear of not being "liked." But hey, you can't be Steve Jobs to everyone, right?
Here's the thing, ladies: in the world of STEM, confidence is king (or queen, rather). When you need validation from everyone, you become a chameleon, blending in until your groundbreaking ideas are lost in the beige noise.
Before you panic and build a fortress of solitude around your genius, let's talk solutions because we can help you break the people-pleasing chains and step into the confident, badass STEM leader you were meant to be.
Here are a few tools Linda Macelova Consulting uses to help women like you:
Identifying Your Triggers: What makes you feel the need to be liked? Is it a critical colleague, a self-doubting inner voice, or something else entirely? Once you identify the trigger, you can develop strategies for managing it.
Building Self-Belief: We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Learn to identify and celebrate what makes you awesome! When you believe in yourself, other people's opinions have less power.
Developing Healthy Communication Skills: Confident communication is a skill that can be learned. Learn how to assert your ideas, disagree constructively, and navigate difficult conversations.
Look, let's be honest: there will never be a magic bullet that makes everyone love you (although a killer presentation might come close!). But by developing a healthy relationship with the need for approval, you can free yourself to be authentic, confident, and unstoppable in your STEM career.
Are you ready to ditch the people-pleasing and unleash your inner STEM rockstar? Head over to Linda Macelova Consulting and check out our career coaching services. We offer a free strategy session where you can discuss your specific challenges and get personalized advice on building confidence and kicking the need for approval to the curb.
Remember, ladies, you're not just some cavewoman shivering in fear of the unknown. You're a force of nature in the world of STEM. Go out there, own your brilliance, and let your ideas shine.
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