Repeating yourself at work
Repeating yourself at work can feel frustrating— but it’s something almost every woman in leadership has experienced.
You speak up with a thoughtful idea.
You explain your solution passionately.
You get… blank stares.
Then five minutes later, someone else echoes your idea—and bam—everyone’s on board.
If you’ve experienced this, you’re not alone.
Repeating yourself at work is something almost every woman in leadership has faced—especially in predominantly male industries.
And while it’s frustrating, it’s also an opportunity.
But here’s the truth:
Repeating yourself isn’t a weakness. It’s a leadership tactic.
And if you learn how to repeat your ideas strategically, you can lead the conversation without losing your authenticity or impact.
Let’s break down why it matters—and how to do it right.
According to the Heath brothers in their book Made to Stick, ideas don’t automatically “stick” just because they’re smart.
People need repetition, reinforcement, and clarity for something to truly land.
1. People Need to Hear It More Than Once
This is called the Curse of Knowledge—we forget what it’s like not to know something once we already know it.
So when you repeat yourself (smartly), you’re actually doing your audience a favor. You’re helping them move from confusion to clarity.
Action Tip:
Don’t just repeat the same words. Reframe the idea. Tie it to their goals. Paint the bigger picture.
2. Communication Styles Are Different
Men and women often speak differently in the workplace.
Research from linguist Deborah Tannen (author of You Just Don’t Understand) shows that:
- Women tend to use more emotional language, empathy, and relational framing.
- Men tend to value brevity, directness, and authority signals.
This difference isn’t good or bad—it’s just real.
But if your audience is tuned to a certain style (say, the “bottom-line it for me” approach), adjusting your delivery can make a big difference.
Action Tip:
If you presented your idea passionately the first time, try stating it simply and directly the second time:
✅ Shorten it.
✅ Lead with the benefit.
✅ Eliminate qualifiers like “I think” or “maybe.”
It’s not about muting your passion.
It’s about increasing your precision.
3. Repeating Yourself Builds Visibility and Authority
When you consistently reinforce your ideas with calm, clear repetition, you send an unconscious signal:
“I believe in what I’m saying. I’m not backing down.”
Over time, people associate you with leadership, clarity, and expertise—not just “nice ideas.”
In environments where credibility isn’t always automatically granted, building your visibility through repetition is a quiet flex.
Action Tip:
Even if someone else “borrows” your idea, don’t get flustered.
Jump back in with,
“Yes—and to build on what I shared earlier…”
Anchor the ownership without picking a fight.
Repeating yourself at Work: How Women Leaders Get Heard and Win
Is it fair that women have to work this way? No.
Is it political? Definitely.
Is it badass to learn how to play the game without losing your fire? Absolutely.
So next time you’re tempted to stay quiet after being ignored, remember:
✅ It’s not annoying to repeat yourself.
✅ It’s effective leadership.
✅ Persistence, not perfection, wins the room.
And if Chad gets the head nods first?
No worries—you’ll be the one they call when they actually need it done right.
To your Badassery,
Marie
P.S. Want more out-of-the-box leadership strategies for badass women navigating predominantly male industries, like this one (how repeating yourself at work can boost your credibility, not hurt it)?
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