lean in
Shift weight closer
Lean in means to engage more fully or assertively, especially in professional settings.
The phrase gained currency from Sheryl Sandberg's 2013 book encouraging women to pursue leadership roles: She decided to lean in and ask for the promotion.
More broadly, it can mean embracing a situation or identity rather than retreating from it: Instead of apologizing for his quirks, he leaned in.
Take an active role
- involveTo contain as part
- immersePlunge into liquid entirely
- contributeGive to a collective
- embraceHold closely in arms
commit · invest · dedicate · focus · attend · listen · respond · connect
Self-assurance or trust
- boldnessFearless readiness to act
- speak upTalk louder or opine
- advocatePublic cause supporter
- assertDeclare confidently true
initiative · courage · audacity · self-assurance · directness · forcefulness · decisiveness · firmness
Desire for achievement
- advancementForward movement or promotion
- leadershipAbility to direct others
- mentorshipGuidance from experienced person
- opportunityFavorable circumstance for advancement
growth · career · aspiration · self-advocacy · professional development · glass ceiling · sponsorship · promotion
Urge forward with support
- listenPerceive sound attentively
- empathizeFeel what others feel
- understandGrasp the meaning
- be presentExist at a location
comfort · sympathize · emotional support · companionship · solidarity
participate
Take an active role
- involveTo contain as part
- immersePlunge into liquid entirely
- contributeGive to a collective
embrace · commit · invest · dedicate · focus · attend · listen · respond · connect · collaborate
confidence
Self-assurance or trust
assert · initiative · courage · audacity · self-assurance · directness · forcefulness · decisiveness · firmness · conviction
ambition
Desire for achievement
- advancementForward movement or promotion
- leadershipAbility to direct others
- mentorshipGuidance from experienced person
opportunity · growth · career · aspiration · self-advocacy · professional development · glass ceiling · sponsorship · promotion · visibility
encourage
Urge forward with support
- listenPerceive sound attentively
- empathizeFeel what others feel
- understandGrasp the meaning
be present · comfort · sympathize · emotional support · companionship · solidarity
- body languagegestures, facial expressions, hand gestures, posture, nodding
- buzzwordssynergy, leverage, paradigm, stakeholder, scalable
- clichescliche, platitude, bromide, tired phrase, worn phrase
- flirtingpickup line, wink, winking, hair flip, chat-up line
- focusfocus, concentration, attention, focal point, concentrate
- photo directionssmile, pose, look at me, chin up, hold it