Silent Power & Sassy Emails: Navigating the Corporate Waves 🌊💼💌

October 09, 2023

Confessions of a Corporate Girly

Hello, Corporate Divas! 💁‍♀️✨

Hold onto your heels because this week's edition is spicy! 🌶️

Ever felt like the office is one big stage and you're hiding behind the curtains? Or puzzled over that email wondering if it was a sly dig or just straight-up business talk? We feel you, and we're here to spill ALL the beans! 🎭💌

Dive into our "Introvert's Guide: Thriving in an Extroverted Office" and find out how to stand out without shouting out. And for those cryptic emails that leave you second-guessing? We're dissecting the do's and don'ts in "Email Etiquette: Throwing Shade or Just Being Direct?".

So, glam up and get ready! This edition is all about understanding the unspoken, laughing at the awkward, and mastering the corporate maze. Let's dive deep, divas! 🌊💄👑

1. Spilling the Tea: What’s Hot Right Now?🔥👀

  • Amazon & Waitrose Teaming Up? - The two giants might be joining forces for an online grocery venture.(GDN)

  • Banking Buzz: Santander's New Strategy - Santander UK is making moves withe a potential Metro Bank offer. (SKY)

  • UK's Unexpected Beach Find - Cocaine washes up on the UK’s south coast, and it’s not just a few grams! (SKY)

  • HS2's Property Plot Twist - Those HS2 transport projects? Apparently, just “examples”. (GDN)

  • Green Goals & Corporate Gains - Labour’s promising energy independence and bill cuts. (GDN)

  • Diplomacy Drama in the Middle East - The Hamas attack is reshaping Middle East diplomacy. (GDN)

  • End of Retail Royalty? - Wilko shops are closing down for good. (BBC)

  • Bradford's Trendy Zebra Crossing - The viral zebra crossing in Bradford gets an upgrade. (BBC)

  • Vaping & The Corporate World - Labour’s taking a stand against vaping sales to kids. (GDN)

  • Rugby's Glam Guide - The fantasy World Cup game for rugby is here, and we’ve got the cheat sheet. (TEL)

2. Introvert's Guide: Thriving in an Extroverted Office 🌟📚

Hey there, silent powerhouses! 🙋‍♀️ Ever felt like the corporate world is one big party, and you're more of a cosy, small gathering kind of gal? You're not alone. In the hustle and bustle of the extroverted office scene, it's easy for us introverts to feel a tad overshadowed. But guess what? Your quiet strength is a superpower, and it's time to harness it! 💪🤫

  1. Find Your Nook: Every office has that quiet corner, the less frequented breakout area, or that one meeting room that's rarely booked. Make it your go-to spot for when you need to recharge or focus. 🌿🛋

  2. Quality Over Quantity: While extroverts might thrive in large meetings or group brainstorming sessions, introverts often shine in one-on-ones. Schedule regular catch-ups with team members or your manager. It's all about deep, meaningful connections. 🤝💬

  3. Embrace Digital Communication: Emails, Slack, Teams - oh my! Use these platforms to your advantage. They allow you to think, process, and then respond, all without the pressure of on-the-spot thinking. 💌💻

  4. Prep and Practice: Got a presentation? Prep in advance. The more familiar you are with your material, the more confident you'll feel, even if the spotlight makes you a tad nervous. 📊🎤

  5. Set Boundaries: It's okay to decline that after-work drink or team lunch occasionally. Remember, it's about conserving your energy and ensuring you're at your best when it counts. 🚫🍹

  6. Celebrate Your Strengths: Introverts often excel in listening, deep thinking, and empathy. These are invaluable skills in the corporate world. Own them, and don't be shy to highlight them during appraisals. 🌟👂

Remember, being an introvert in an extroverted office isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about leveraging your unique strengths and finding ways to shine in your own authentic manner. So, next time you’re in the office, chin up, take a deep breath, and strut your introverted self. The corporate world needs your calm amidst its storm. 🌩️🌈

3. Email Etiquette: Throwing Shade or Just Being Direct? 💌💅

Let's talk about that digital elephant in the room - emails. We've all been there: staring at our screens, trying to decode if that email from Karen in HR was just straightforward or if there was a sprinkle of shade thrown in. 🕵️‍♀️🌴

  1. The Fine Line: There's a thin boundary between being concise and coming off as curt. Remember, emails lack tone. So, while "Noted." might seem efficient to you, it could come off as cold to someone else. Maybe try, "Got it, thanks!" instead. A little warmth can go a long way. 🔥📧

  2. Emoji Diplomacy: Emojis aren't just for your WhatsApp chats. They can be game-changers in setting the tone of your emails. A simple 🙂 or 👍 can make your message feel friendly without compromising professionalism. But remember, don't overdo it! Balance is key. ⚖️😉

  3. Clarity is Queen: Being direct is not a crime. It's essential, especially when you're swamped with tasks. Just ensure your directness doesn't border on rudeness. "Please send this by EOD" is direct. "Why isn't this done yet?" is...well, a tad aggressive. 🤷‍♀️👑

  4. The Power of 'Please' and 'Thank You': These aren't just magic words for when you want cookies. They're essential in email communication. They can transform a demand into a request and show appreciation. So sprinkle them generously! 🍪🙏

  5. Feedback vs. Criticism: Need to provide feedback? Make it constructive. "I think this section could benefit from more data" sounds collaborative. "This section is weak" just sounds... mean. 🤨📊

  6. CAPS LOCK CALAMITY: UNLESS YOU'RE TRYING TO RESCUE SOMEONE FROM A BURNING BUILDING, there's no need to shout in your emails. It's aggressive and can escalate situations unnecessarily. Keep it cool, calm, and lowercase. 😎🔠

In the digital age of email etiquette, it's all about striking the right balance. Being direct? Absolutely fine. Throwing shade? Save it for your sun hat. 🎩🌞

So, the next time you're about to hit 'send', take a moment. Reread, reflect, and ensure your email is clear, kind, and shade-free. After all, we're all just trying to hustle, thrive, and avoid any unnecessary email drama. 🚫🎭

4. Our Netflix Series Spotlight of the Week! 🎤⭐

👠 Behind Every Great Man... There's a Woman Setting Trends! 📺

Hey there, Corporate Queens! 🌟 We've all been binging the new Netflix documentary, "Beckham", which paints a vivid picture of David Beckham's iconic career and the highs and lows of fame. But, amidst the football frenzy, our eyes (and hearts) were stolen by the real MVP - the ever-fabulous Victoria Beckham.

VB isn't just a footnote in David's story. This documentary gave us an unfiltered look into how she gracefully navigated the stormy seas of media scrutiny, especially during those gut-wrenching times of alleged affairs and public humiliation. And girl, did she handle it with unmatched grace, poise, and a sprinkle of Posh sass! 💁‍♀️✨

While many might've been overshadowed, Victoria emerged as a beacon of resilience, prioritising her children and burgeoning career. She didn't just redefine the "WAG" stereotype; she obliterated it, proving she's a powerhouse in her own right. Her ability to rise above adversity? Pure gold! 🌟

But here's the tea ☕: Victoria was way ahead of her time. Before being a "boss babe" was even a thing, she was out there, setting trends, breaking molds, and building an empire. From Spice Girl to fashion mogul, she's shown us that with passion and perseverance, you can pivot and evolve, no matter the challenges.

So, why is she our ultimate role model? Because she embodies the spirit of every corporate girlie out there. She's a testament to the fact that we can face adversity head-on, pivot when needed, and still come out on top - all while rocking killer heels! 👠💪

In the corporate world, where change is constant and challenges are plenty, let's channel our inner VB. Embrace change, stand tall against adversity, and always be a trendsetter. Because, darlings, if VB can turn every setback into a fierce comeback, then so can we! 💃🔥

5. Until Next Time, Digital Divas! 📧👑

And just like that, we’ve unraveled the mysteries of the corporate world once again! From mastering the art of thriving as an introvert in a loud office to decoding the subtitles of Karen’s email shade, we’ve got you covered. 🕵️‍♀️💼

Remember, whether you're crafting that perfect email or finding your quiet corner in a bustling office, it's all about staying true to YOU. Don't dim your shine for anyone, and certainly don't let an email or a chatty colleague rain on your parade. ☔️✨

Before you dash off to draft your next masterpiece of an email or find your zen moment amidst the office chaos, don't forget about our FREE Networking Guide waiting just for you on our webpage. Because, darling, networking is so much more than just exchanging business cards. It's an art, and we're here to make you the Picasso of it! 🎨🤝

Stay sassy, stay smart, and remember: the corporate world might be tough, but so are you. Catch you in the next newsletter, where we'll spill more tea, share more tips, and continue to celebrate the fabulous corporate queen that you are! 💁‍♀️👠🍵

XOXO