Here’s the thing: the word “bossy” has been thrown around like confetti at a parade whenever a woman takes charge. But let’s be real – what’s so wrong with being the boss? Actually, nothing. In fact, it’s about time we dropped the labels and let women own their leadership without apology.
Anyway, I remember being called bossy in elementary school because I wanted to organize our group project, says Jenny, a Womenself reader. I was just trying to get things done, you know? Turns out, that’s kind of what leaders do. And yet, somehow, when a guy does it, he’s “assertive.” When a woman does it, she’s “difficult.” That double standard is so old it practically has cobwebs.
Modern womanhood isn’t about fitting into someone else’s box. It’s about carving out your own space, whether that’s at work, at home, or just in your own head. Women are running companies, raising families, starting movements, and, yeah, sometimes telling people what to do. And guess what? That’s not just okay – it’s necessary.
So, what does it really mean to be the boss? It’s not about shouting orders from a corner office. It’s about vision, resilience, and, honestly, a lot of emotional labor. Ever notice how women are often expected to manage not just tasks, but feelings? That’s a whole other level of leadership.
Sometimes I wonder if the fear of being called bossy holds women back. Maybe it’s easier to stay quiet, to let someone else take the lead. But here’s the catch: the world needs more women who aren’t afraid to speak up, to make decisions, to be seen. Because when women lead, things get done differently. There’s more collaboration, more empathy, and, yeah, sometimes more coffee breaks.
Not that leading is always easy. There are still plenty of people who’d rather see a woman “play nice” than take charge. But the tide is turning. More women are stepping into leadership roles, and they’re doing it their own way. Some are loud, some are quiet, some are funny, some are serious. The point is, there’s no one right way to be the boss.
Actually, I think the best leaders – male or female, are the ones who listen as much as they talk. Who build teams instead of empires. Who aren’t afraid to admit when they’re wrong. Being the boss isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions.
Anyway, let’s talk about confidence for a second. Women are often told to be more confident, but what does that even mean? Sometimes confidence looks like standing at the front of the room. Sometimes it’s just showing up, day after day, even when you’re not sure you belong. And sometimes it’s saying, “I don’t know, but I’ll figure it out.”
Here’s a personal aside: I used to think I had to be perfect to lead. Turns out, no one is. The best leaders I’ve met are the ones who own their mistakes, learn from them, and keep moving forward. That’s what modern womanhood is all about—not being perfect, but being present.
So, next time someone calls a woman bossy, maybe just smile and say, “Yeah, she’s the boss.” Because that’s exactly what the world needs more of.
