10% Happier with Dan Harris The Likeability Trap, Alicia Menendez
Nov 6, 2019
Alicia Menendez, an award-winning journalist and author of "The Likeability Trap," dives into the paradox of women's likability in the workplace. She discusses how strong women are often deemed cold, while warm women risk being seen as pushovers. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of external judgments, the importance of psychological safety, and the need for equitable feedback. Menendez shares personal anecdotes, advocating for vulnerability as a strength in leadership and encouraging women to embrace their authenticity over societal expectations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Alicia's Likeability Struggle
- Alicia Menendez, despite outward success, struggled with insecurity at work, overthinking likability.
- This led her to write "The Likeability Trap", exploring the pressure on women to modulate their behavior.
The Goldilocks Conundrum
- Women face a double bind: told to be strong but not too strong, warm but not too warm.
- Even women who don't care about likability pay a price in the workplace.
Conflicting Advice
- Conflicting advice about her appearance early in her career highlighted the subjectivity of feedback.
- Menendez changed her hair based on one person's advice, only to be criticized by another for the change.
