The exact day I stopped being a Yes Chick was entirely by accident. However, choosing to stop “yes’ing” my boss and instead offering thoughtful insights and well-researched answers was very intentional. Not only was this decision the best thing I did for the company, but it also gave me a sense of empowerment. I felt heard, and even when my opinions weren’t fully agreed upon, I was part of something exciting, something we were building together. It was far more fulfilling than just counting the hours until 5:00 PM.
From Yes Chick to Empowered Team Member
When I first started at the firm, I was hired as a temporary receptionist through a staffing agency. It was a week after my 21st birthday and my first office job. To be honest, I wasn’t great at office etiquette back then. But my boss and his team saw potential in me, beyond my lack of experience. After seven months, while everyone else was supportive, my boss was fairly indifferent. He wasn’t unfriendly, but he was distant, simply greeting me in passing.
That changed one Monday morning.
My First Step:
Without realizing it, a few people had mentioned to my boss that my screening calls felt more like blocking access to him. I was only doing what I was instructed, but it was clear something wasn’t working. That Monday, my boss asked me to attend the team meeting to discuss the firm’s phone procedures. This was my first-ever team meeting.
That Sunday, I remember debating whether to go out with friends or stay in and rest. Knowing that I wanted to make a good impression, I decided to stay in and get enough sleep so that I could be sharp and focused for the meeting—a decision that unknowingly changed my life.
Learning How to Improve
In the meeting, instead of telling me what I was doing wrong, my boss explained how the firm helps people grieving the loss of a loved one or dealing with an elderly family member. He showed me how I was the first point of contact for these individuals who were often overwhelmed. I immediately understood the importance of my role, and together, we built a system to track common reasons for calls. I began learning how to take basic intake, mail out information packages, and provide real help until my boss could return the calls.
That meeting shifted my mindset. I stopped being a Yes Chick and started taking ownership of my role. I attended every team meeting, brought ideas, and contributed to improving the client experience. Even when my suggestions weren’t accepted, I learned from my boss’s reasoning and improved.
Take Ownership
Deciding to stop being a Yes Chick was transformative for me. What started as a decision to avoid looking foolish in a meeting evolved into a new approach to my job. Instead of just filling the role of receptionist, I became an integral part of the team and eventually grew to be the marketing director for our firm.
By owning my role, I realized how much value I could create, not only for my boss but for myself. Taking ownership means more than just doing the minimum; it’s about offering meaningful contributions. Your boss or coworkers need more than “yes” people—they need collaborators who will speak up, share ideas, and help the team grow. The value you create when you stop being a Yes Chick extends far beyond your job title. It impacts your career, your team, and your own sense of fulfillment.
Ready to leave your Yes Chick days behind? Head over to our website, and explore our free resources for more tips on how to stop being a Yes Chick and create more value for your team and yourself.
