I recently poked fun at myself during an online meeting, genuinely surprised at my willingness to be the subject of humour.
This may be a sign of desperation for a laugh, in doom and gloom times.
A male colleague remarked that I seemed to have an opinion regarding the subject matter that we were discussing, so perhaps I should be involved.
I laughed and remarked lightly, that’s never been said about me before.
My opinion was rooted in hard-earned professional experience and through the practical application of trial and error.
I flipped that dismissive noun, with a little self-deprecating humour, into a fine descriptor of future expectations.
Well, that’s my opinion, and you’ve been advised.
Man up – don’t take it personally!