Have you ever heard from the people you work with/your managers that you are aggressive and that you need to learn how to communicate better?

Before start thinking that you are the problem and that you have to change, maybe it is worth considering if you would receive the same feedback if you were a man.

Most of the times this “constructive” feedback is a way of saying that we need to behave, which can be translated to not expressing our opinions. After all, society always preferred to see us as silent creatures with no personality.

And the funny part when I hear this is that I actually studied Social Communications. So as a Public Relations, yes I know how to communicate and express my ideas. That we should not accept to not be treated with respect and should make ourself being heard when needed.

Of course that in a work environment we should consider that people have different ideas, but when the “you should be less aggressive” comment arrives, don’t be afraid of simply saying “I hear what you say, thank you for the feedback”. Don’t bother trying to explain why you believe the other person is printing their biased view on you. Sometimes we just need to let go and accept that we will not fix what’s wrong in the world.

Instead, my suggestion and what I will try to implement from now on is just doing my job as best as I can and doge the comments that are not adding anything to my career growth. If it doesn’t resonate, it should not occupy our minds, right? Let’s worry about the things that are in our control, which is already a lot to begin with.