The “Ban Bossy” campaign has gotten a lot of attention and a lot of flack in recent days.
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tWhile I love the concept of promoting leadership in young women, I agree (on some level) with the naysayers who feel the approach may be a bit warden-adjacent.
t I am not, by nature, a big believer in “banning” per se. It feels a little too reminiscent of the days of book burning and inequality for my taste. Those are the very things campaigns such as these are designed to protect against.
t However, speaking as a woman who became a leader early on in her career and was largely resented for it, I heard a variety of colorful “B” words throughout my life. Personally, it didn’t particularly bother me. Rather, it often drove me to achieve even more throughout my career.
t Further, I firmly believe whatever negative connotations we have assigned to the word “bossy” are our own. It is only an insult if we make it one by villainizing the word. I truly consider it a compliment to be thought of as bossy. I am the boss; mission accomplished!
t So, ladies, I am thrilled to join you on this crusade but, please, let’s not imply that “bossy” is somehow a bad word because it does not have to be.
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