MentoringNOW: Women in Research Webinar

Saying No and Speaking Up – How to Avoid the ‘Assertiveness Penalty’ and Other Challenges of Female Voice

Join two female Australian Research Council Laureate Fellows Sharon Parker and Lynette Russell, to reflect on what it means to be assertive and confident at work, without suffering a backlash.

We have seen during COVID that women researchers often face many demands at home and at work. One strategy, then, is to say ‘no’ more often. And that is a challenge for many of us! We have to figure out what to say yes to, and what to say no to, which is difficult enough. And then sometimes, when we say no, we are subjected to a career-limiting ‘assertiveness penalty’. Because being assertive can contradict the expectation that women are nice and compliant, it can sometimes lead to a backlash, creating a bind for women.

In this webinar, the fourth in the “Small Wins” series, ARC Laureate Fellow Sharon Parker will provide an evidence-based overview about being assertive at work, as well as her own insights. She will be joined by ARC Laureate Fellow Lynette Russell (Monash University), who will share her experiences and tips for being assertive and confident.

Participants will have the opportunity to virtually share tips with each other, and ask the guests questions.