In the realm of career advancement, a career coach advocates for a more ruthless approach at work.
Go Ahead and Crush Workplace Nice-Ness: Insights from Career Coach Em Rezkalla
In the realm of viral TikTok advice, Em Rezkalla's video on "professional rudeness" has garnered a whopping 2.8 million views. Here's how she suggests putting this strategy into action.
Em Rezkalla's hard-hitting TikTok advocated for being more assertive, direct, and opinionated at work, rather than the usual people-pleasing we may have been accustomed to in 2024. But don't misunderstand her—when she says "rude," she means professional, not hurtful.
Here are some examples of how to channel this professional rudeness:
- If an colleague's behavior is negatively impacting productivity, speak up and address the issue.
- If someone's actions are making your workday more difficult, ask them to cease the behavior.
- When you find yourself feeling rudely treated, ask questions to understand the root of the issue. Is it something specific you're doing, or is it personal preference?
Questioning allows for more conversation and helps you better understand the other person's perspective.
For women, becoming more assertive can sometimes be a self-doubt struggle. But it's essential to identify and address potential problems head-on, viewing this as a conversation rather than an ego-centric battle.
Some viewers have credited this advice with helping them get promoted more often. However, it's crucial to recognize that Em Rezkalla's advice is subjective and may not work for everyone. She emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness to ensure you're not changing yourself but evolving to better seize new opportunities.
In some cases, people may perceive you as difficult when you start setting clear boundaries and advocating for yourself. But don't let that deter you—professional rudeness is about standing up for yourself while maintaining respect and clarity in your interactions with others.
Em Rezkalla initially pursued a legal career, studying political science and passing the LSAT, but ultimately opted for a Master's degree in Public and International Affairs instead. After working in consulting with a focus on accounting, marketing, and political analysis for the Canadian government, she became a career coach about four years ago.
From handling rude comments to setting boundaries, Em Rezkalla's approach to professional life is all about speaking up, being assertive, and embracing new opportunities. Just remember to stay emotionally aware and avoid making it personal when addressing issues in the workplace.
- Em Rezkalla's career coaching approach encourages people, especially women, to address workplace issues related to productivity or behavior directly, promoting professional rudeness as a means to get things done without being hurtful.
- In the realm of health and wellness, being assertive and speaking up about challenges in the workplace could lead to personal growth and career development, as some viewers have credited such advice with helping them get promoted more often.
- In terms of education and self-development, Em Rezkalla's strategy can also be viewed as finance-related, considering that demonstrating assertiveness and professionalism could potentially lead to better job prospects and increased financial stability.
- Regardless of the industry, such workplace-wellness tactics might be applicable in various business settings, offering opportunities for enhanced performance and overall success, while maintaining an awareness of emotions to ensure respectful interactions with others.

