6 Strategies to Exude She-EO Confidence at Work

Feeling swamped at work is common. Look around, and you’ll likely spot some remarkable women thriving in their careers. These are the ones who make it seem effortless. But here's a secret: They’ve mastered a few tricks to shine.

Natalie Gulotta, CIO at UroPartners LLC, is a prime example of such a trailblazer. Her key advice? “Speak with assurance! Many young women finish sentences with a question mark. It’s fine to admit when you don’t know something. We’re all evolving. But when you do speak, do it boldly,” she suggests.

Many successful women share habits that help them stand out at work. Pay attention; we’re about to reveal some essential hacks for aspiring leaders.

1. Set Clear Deadlines

Always establish deadlines.

It may sound straightforward, but I bet there’s a project on your plate without a deadline. Remember, deadlines focus on communication, not urgency. It’s less about when something is due and more about mutual agreement. Clear expectations prevent disappointment.

Thinking you can’t set timelines for everything because of chaos? No problem! Adjusting a deadline isn’t a sign of disorganization. Plans can shift, and it’s essential to inform others so they can adapt.

Why it works: Deadlines foster trust and signal that others can rely on you.

2. The 5-Second Email Rule

Don’t rush to send a detailed reply to every email. Instead, craft a quick acknowledgment:

“Thanks for the update. I’ll look into this and provide more info by (date and/or time).”

This template allows for faster responses and keeps the recipient informed about when to expect a detailed answer.

Why it works: Prompt replies create a sense of priority, even if you can’t resolve their issue immediately. Plus, it helps you avoid hasty commitments.

3. Transform Emails into Tasks

Your email response time may be impressive, but tracking follow-ups can be tricky. After sending your quick reply, convert the email into a task.

Many email platforms offer built-in tools:

• Use Gmail to create a task from an email, allowing for deadlines and sub-tasks.
• With Microsoft, you can set tasks, deadlines, and prioritize them.
• Leverage Microsoft Outlook to set reminders for emails.

For more robust management, I invested in ActiveInbox, a productivity plugin that integrates with Gmail, turning your inbox into a task manager.

Why it works: Emails can be overwhelming, but converting them into tasks helps track your workload effectively.

4. Create a Hustle Playlist and Prioritize

It’s true: the workload can feel heavy. And no, you won't accomplish everything. But here’s the truth: You can’t do it all, and that’s perfectly fine! Prioritizing is crucial to ensure you’re focusing on what truly matters.

During your morning coffee, ask yourself: “What’s the one critical task I want to tackle today?”

This idea is inspired by “The One Thing” by Gary Keller, which emphasizes identifying that key task that simplifies everything else. Keller even schedules regular appointments with himself to focus on his most important work, as he revealed in an interview with Forbes.

So, determine that one task today and block off time to accomplish it.

Why it works: You’ll make progress on significant projects instead of getting sidetracked by urgent yet trivial tasks.

5. Schedule Open Office Hours

One trait of successful women is their accessibility. How do they manage to be so available despite their busy schedules? They hold open office hours, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions.