She dedicates herself to mentoring young women as they begin their careers in Kenya. Dr. Nyachieo firmly believes in the power of guidance for the next generation of female professionals.
“I take mentoring young women very seriously,” she explains.”If you consistently act pleasantly, you won’t advance; you must learn to advocate for yourself.”
One of her mentees, Faith, is actively applying this advice.
“SheS taught me to release the pressure of always appearing smiley and agreeable,” Faith shares. “I am actively working on it.”
Hear’s why this lesson is so crucial for women in the workplace:
Challenging Expectations: Society often expects women to be nurturing and accommodating. This can inadvertently hinder their ability to assert their needs and negotiate effectively.
Negotiation is Key: Successfully navigating a career requires confidently asking for what you deserve – whether it’s a raise,promotion,or simply respect.
Self-Advocacy Empowers: Learning to advocate for yourself isn’t about being aggressive; it’s about recognizing your value and communicating it clearly. Breaking the Cycle: By mentoring, Dr. nyachieo is helping to dismantle outdated expectations and empower women to take control of their professional destinies.
I’ve found that many young women struggle with this initially. It feels counterintuitive to step away from the “nice girl” persona.
However,it’s essential to remember that professionalism and assertiveness aren’t mutually exclusive.You can be both kind and firm.
Here’s what works best when learning to negotiate:
- Know Your Worth: Research industry standards for your role and experience.
- Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse what you want to say, focusing on your accomplishments and contributions.
- Start Small: Begin with low-stakes negotiations to build your confidence.
- Don’t Apologize: Avoid phrases like “I’m sorry to ask…” or “I know this is a lot…”
- Be Prepared to Walk Away: Knowing your bottom line empowers you to make informed decisions.
Ultimately, empowering women in the workforce benefits everyone. When women feel confident and supported, they’re more likely to thrive, innovate, and contribute their full potential.
It’s a shift that requires conscious effort, mentorship, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.But the rewards – for individuals and society as a whole – are immeasurable.
Worth a look