Are You Playing by Rules That Weren't Made for You?

Question 02

When you share an idea in a meeting and it's overlooked, then a colleague says something similar and gets credit — what do you do?

• I stay quiet — pointing it out feels risky or like it will make me look petty
• I feel frustrated but unsure how to address it without damaging the relationship
• I've found ways to name it calmly in the moment, though it's never fully comfortable

Question 03

How often do you find yourself doing emotional "maintenance" work at work — managing team morale, smoothing over tensions, or anticipating others' needs — that isn't acknowledged or rewarded?

• Constantly — it feels like it's just expected of me
• Often — I do it, but I'm starting to notice the cost
• Sometimes — I've gotten better at recognizing when I'm over-functioning

Question 04

When you advocate for your team or push back on a decision, how is it typically received compared to when your male peers do the same?

• Very differently — I'm seen as difficult or emotional; they're seen as strong
• Somewhat differently — I feel I have to phrase things carefully in ways they don't
• It varies — I've learned to navigate it, but the double standard is real and exhausting

Question 05

How confident are you in your ability to influence decisions and outcomes without relying on formal authority?

• Not very — I often feel like I need a title or position to be taken seriously
• Somewhat — I can do it, but it requires a lot of effort and I'm not sure it's sustainable
• Reasonably — I understand influence, but I want to use it more intentionally

Question 06

When you think about your own visibility at work — being known for your contributions — how do you feel?

• Uncomfortable — self-promotion feels unnatural or like it will backfire
• Conflicted — I know visibility matters, but I struggle to do it authentically
• Aware — I'm learning how to advocate for myself without it feeling performative

Question 07

When you face resistance — a rejected proposal, pushback on your ideas, or a change initiative that stalls — how do you interpret it?

• As a sign that I'm wrong, not ready, or not suited for this level of leadership
• As frustrating, but I'm not always sure how to respond strategically
• As information — I'm learning to read what the resistance is really telling me

Question 08

How clearly can you articulate your leadership vision, values, and boundaries to the people you work with?

• Not clearly — I know what I value but struggle to express it with confidence
• Somewhat — I can articulate it one-on-one but lose clarity in group settings or under pressure
• Reasonably well — I'm building this muscle, but it still requires intentional effort

Question 09

How much does the way you show up at work feel true to who you are outside of work?

• Very little — I feel like I have to mask or minimize parts of myself to be taken seriously
• Somewhat — there are moments of alignment, but the gap is real and tiring
• More than before — I'm actively working to close that gap

Question 10

When you imagine what leadership could feel like — not how it does feel, but how it could — what comes to mind?

• Honestly? I'm not sure it can feel different from what it does now
• Lighter, clearer — but I don't have a clear picture of what that path looks like
• Grounded and aligned — I can see it, I just need support getting there