🔗 On Being Bossy

Caroline Lau's article dives into the complexities of being labeled "bossy" and reframes it as a valuable skill rather than a flaw. Throughout her experiences—from middle school to her engineering career—she highlights the disparity in how assertiveness is received between genders. Lau illustrates that women often face negative connotations when they assert leadership, contrasting this with how confidence in men is rewarded. By recounting personal anecdotes, from a painful memory of being called bossy to a pivotal moment in her engineering job, she emphasizes the importance of strategy, self-awareness, and building coalitions. The piece culminates in a call for more women to embrace their assertiveness and learn to use it effectively in their environments.