As women make a swift return to the workforce, even exceeding pre-pandemic levels in February,¹ I’ve been reflecting on my own career. And how the type of support I received hindered or helped me along my journey.

One experience had particular sticking power.

Early in my career, I worked for someone who focused more on my behavior than my work product. She coached me with phrases like, “Be less bubbly,” “Stop smiling so much,” and “No one will take you seriously if you’re laughing at work.”

I know her intention was to create a version of me that, in her opinion, had a higher likelihood of being successful. Instead, it made me behave in ways that didn’t feel true to who I was. And others noticed. Trying to emulate her very stern look, for example, led to people asking me if something was wrong.

Read more at: https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/6-ways-to-better-support-women-in-the-workplace/449843