Webinar 4: Saying No and Speaking Up

We have seen during COVID that women researchers often face many demands at home and at work. One strategy, then, is to say 'no' more often. And that is a challenge for many of us! We have to figure out what to say yes to, and what to say no to, which is difficult enough. And then sometimes, when we say no, we are subjected to a career-limiting ‘assertiveness penalty’. Because being assertive can contradict the expectation that women are nice and compliant, it can sometimes lead to a backlash, creating a bind for women.

In this webinar, the fourth in the "Small Wins" series, ARC Laureate Fellow Sharon Parker will provide an evidence-based overview about being assertive at work, as well as her own insights. She will be joined by ARC Laureate Fellow Lynette Russell (Monash University), who will share her experiences and tips for being assertive and confident.

Participants will have the opportunity to virtually share tips with each other, and ask the guests questions.

About the Speakers:

• Sharon K. Parker is an ARC Laureate Fellow, a John Curtin Distinguished Professor, and the Director of the Centre for Transformative Work Design within the Future of Work Institute at Curtin University. Sharon’s research focuses particularly on job and work design, and she is also interested in employee performance and development, mature workers, mental health and well-being, and related topics. Sharon is also a recipient of the ARC’s Kathleen Fitzpatrick Award.
• Lynette Russell AM is a Professor at the Monash Indigenous Studies Centre at Monash University. Professor Russell's focus is on developing an anthropological approach to the story of the past. Her historical interests are far ranging - across the 18th to the 20th centuries, from Aboriginal people in the maritime industry, to museums and museum collections, to the history of anthropology itself. Lynette is also a recipient of the ARC’s Kathleen Fitzpatrick Award.

Eligibility: Open to all women academics who engage in research as part of their role, Level A to Level E, across all disciplines and Universities/Research institutions.

Cost: Free but registration is essential to access the webinar.

Platform: Microsoft Teams (please note that attendees will need to have Microsoft Teams downloaded to access the event)