NAPD 2021 Women's Virtual Conference

Sometimes women can be labeled in negative ways as too "bossy," "outspoken," or "aggressive," which can make women shy away from being self-assured, confident, organized, and assertive. Women should lean into these qualities. Similarly, if a woman isn't naturally assertive, it is okay to be non-confrontational or deferential. Women should not have to try to be something different than who they are to be respected. Relatedly, as women we need to come together on avoiding language that minimizes our contributions or opinions (like the word "just.") How do we deal with all of this if  how we are perceived can be detrimental to our working relationships? What do I do if I'm assertive and men will label will me as aggressive in a negative way? What if I'm police and soft-spoken and men label me as a pushover? Do we ignore that and dig in? Reflect on how we may present ourselves "better?" Some combination?