Reflections and Gaslighting within the workplace

In this episode, I highlight some challenges that come with having the uncertainty of work roles as well as lacking managerial support, and how professionals can go about tackling these issues.

Generally, women are not comfortable talking about their ages, however, Sarah is marking her 39th birthday. The general belief is that by this age, people should have figured life out but for Sarah, every day is an adventure with wisdom to gain. 

The intersectionality of being a woman at work, who is black and neurodiverse can often be overwhelming and lonely. Even racism presents itself in the form of microaggressions. Sarah has experienced this which can be a confusing situation. 

In addressing work role uncertainty, it is necessary to sit with the boss to get clear direction because it is the job of your manager. You should not have to go to work unsure about what you're supposed to do. Part of the problem is the fluctuation between encouragement and antagonism from the employer. It may cause insecurity about your abilities. Sarah has had to encourage herself when necessary, understanding that the lack of support does not mean she is performing poorly. In fact, a lack of managerial direction is more of a reflection of the deficiency of the manager in their responsibilities. 

Also, rather than using acronyms or large terminologies to sound intelligent, it is more supportive to communicate simply.  It is equally important to be confident enough to ask questions where needed, instead of feeling inadequate if you are not receiving a clear understanding of your role and what you need. This may be difficult due to Imposter syndrome but should be discussed with your manager. Additionally, speaking up helps to identify with other people who have similar feelings which validate yours. 

The first step is to schedule a meeting with your manager to detail exactly what you need in terms of guidance or instructions. What makes a great project manager is being able to communicate effectively enough to have an impact on people from all works and life. This has always been a major skill set of popular successful leaders.

It is imperative to share additional challenges you're facing, especially when the manager cannot relate. It is better to address such issues than to always struggle to conform to the norms in different settings