Learn from the Experience.

I have been waiting to write this for a long time. 


On 2nd to 4th July , I  attended a workshop named Woman and Energy by SAARC organization at Bados island resort. In that  workshop 7  country members participate. It went successful, leaned a lot  and enjoyed lot 2.
On 2nd day ,Ms.Joelly Murphy from USAID/RESET gave an inspiring speech for woman. 

Important Lessons I  (she) learned along the way

• “Gather” loyal mentors, allies, & women friends 
• Continually build your own skills (for me: analysis, crisp writing, presentations with clear messages & negotiation)
• Grasp the key technical aspects of the subject  & get over not being an engineer (or not the “right” kind of engineer)
• Always volunteer to do the first draft & always do more “homework” than the other guy
• Sex harassment: be alert, learn to deflect it early & handle it without creating an enemy
• Build up a savings account that would keep you solvent for 6 months if you have to quit or get fired.
• Develop some “coping” techniques that work for you.
• Use surprise, creativity and flexibility to your advantage.

Some Particular Techniques that can increase one’s Power & Voice  -- subject to cultural issues, of course

         •Dress (“Power is in the shoulders, honey, not the hips.”)
•Eye contact
•Personal space
•Firm handshake
•Learning to get over the fear of speaking in public
•Learning to project your voice, your authority, your message •Speaking with confidence in a strong voice 
•“Power Posturing” (pre-meeting, during meeting) to change your own feelings of self confidence and others’ perceptions and reactions to you. 

 

I know its long , but v useful information.