Much has been written about the double binds women face in the workforce. The classic is the goldilocks debate about style.

Are you too hard? Are you too soft?

As leaders, men can be either 'hard' or 'soft' (think: strength and warmth).

But to be seen as a confident leader, women need to be BOTH hard and soft.

If they are too soft - they are pushovers.

If they are too hard - they are bulldozers.

That's a double bind. It's exhausting.... and infuriating.

What do you say to people who accuse you of being too hard or too soft? I'm curious...

For more on this topic, watch this short clip from my discussion on Tom Ahern's podcast. Click here or click the image below.