In the realm of professional advancement, a career coach advocates for a harsher, more competitive approach in the workplace.
Go Ahead and Be a Tad Rude at Work - But Do it Right!
Em Rezkalla's TikTok video about being "professionally rude" at work gathered 2.8 million views. In an interview with our site, she showed how to put her advice into practice.
If you feel a colleague's behavior isn't efficient or is making your workday harder, don't hesitate to speak up. If they're doing something that bothers you, politely ask them to stop. Remember, being rude isn't about being impolite or inconsiderate; it's about being assertive, direct, and setting boundaries.
Rezkalla suspects that the term "rude" at work, particularly for women, is often misused. In her view, true rudeness is acting impolitely or aggressively. She advises, "Ask questions, encourage conversation, and get to the root of the problem."
Women may question themselves when they become more assertive, Rezkalla points out. To avoid this, she suggests asking questions like, "Is this something bothersome because of a pattern you don't like?" or "Are you feeling I'm taking over the meeting?" Treat these conversations as discussions, not a threat to your ego.
Some viewers endorsed her advice, claiming they were promoted faster once they started being "rude." Not everyone will agree, though. Rezkalla acknowledges that her advice is subjective and may not work for everyone. She stresses the importance of being emotionally aware and suggests adapting the approach to suite your personality without changing yourself entirely.
Originally, Rezkalla intended to become a lawyer, pursuing political science and passing the LSAT. However, she ultimately chose a different path, earning a Master's degree in Public and International Affairs. After consulting in fields ranging from accounting to political analysis for the Canadian government, she became a career coach four years ago.
When it comes to workplace rudeness, remember to keep it professional while setting boundaries. As Rezkalla wisely puts it, "Stay open to new opportunities through evolving methods, but don't change yourself."
- What about integrating Rezkalla's practice of being professionally rude into my education-and-self-development plan for personal growth and career development?
- I've noticed a colleague's rezkalla, which seems to be hindering my work efficiency. Should I approach them about it, respecting GDPR guidelines and maintaining a polite tone during our conversation?
- Rezkalla's advice on being rude at work has been subjective, but I wonder if learning more about assertiveness and setting boundaries could contribute to my career development?
- If I practice being more assertive and rezkalla at work, might it help me in achieving better personal growth and career advancement, similar to the experiences shared by Rezkalla's supporters?

