Embracing the Power of Awkwardness in your Legal Career
“Discomfort is the currency of your dreams.”
Have you ever stood at a networking event, clutching your drink like a lifeline, hovering near a conversation circle but never quite making it in? I have. More than once. I never seem to master the art of smoothly sidling up to a group and seamlessly joining their chat. Instead, I’ve loitered awkwardly, waiting for the perfect moment to jump in—only to find myself retreating, red-faced and inwardly cringing.
Henna Pryor’s excellent book Good Awkward made me realise that moments like these aren’t just inevitable—they’re actually opportunities. And, as female lawyers navigating a profession that often feels like it wasn’t designed with us in mind (because, well, it wasn’t), embracing awkwardness might just be one of our best career strategies.
Why awkwardness is a superpower
Pryor argues that awkwardness isn’t something to eliminate—it’s something to harness. She breaks down how discomfort and clumsy moments often signal growth and learning. Rather than seeing these experiences as failures, we should view them as proof that we’re stretching beyond our comfort zones.
This is especially important in the legal world, where confidence can sometimes feel like a prerequisite for success. Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, handling difficult clients, or negotiating a pay rise, the fear of looking foolish can hold us back. But as Good Awkward reminds us, pushing through those moments of self-consciousness is exactly what leads to progress.
Lessons from Good Awkward for female lawyers
1. Awkwardness means you’re growing
The next time you feel awkward in a professional setting—whether it’s introducing yourself at a networking event or advocating for yourself in a salary discussion—remind yourself that discomfort is a sign of growth. You’re not failing; you’re evolving.
2. Be intentional about discomfort
Pryor suggests deliberately seeking out small moments of awkwardness to build resilience. This could mean volunteering to speak first in a meeting, making the first move to introduce yourself at an event, or finally asking that partner for a coffee chat. The more you lean into these moments, the less intimidating they become.
3. Reframe awkwardness as a connection builder
Ironically, awkwardness can actually make us more relatable. How many times have you bonded with someone over a shared moment of embarrassment? As female lawyers, we sometimes feel pressure to appear polished and in control at all times—but showing a little vulnerability can actually strengthen relationships with colleagues and clients.
When I see someone behave like a human at a networking event—like laughing at their own bad joke or accidentally interrupting someone and apologising with a smile—I instantly want to be their friend. It’s those little moments of authenticity that make people more approachable and remind us that we’re all just figuring it out as we go.
4. Don’t let perfectionism paralyse you
That old chestnut perfectionism again. Many of us hesitate to take action because we’re waiting to be ‘ready’ or ‘perfect.’ Good Awkward reminds us that waiting for perfection often means we never take the leap at all. Send that email. Make that call. Speak up in that meeting. It might feel awkward, but that’s okay—you’re taking steps forward.
Turning awkwardness into confidence
So, next time you find yourself lingering on the edge of a conversation, resisting the urge to speak up, or hesitating to put yourself forward for an opportunity, remember: awkwardness isn’t a sign you don’t belong. It’s a sign you’re growing.
Pryor’s book reassured me that my cringe-worthy networking moments aren’t a reflection of my competence—they’re proof that I’m pushing myself. And if you ever see me hovering near a conversation at an event, please say hello before I awkwardly wander off!
I’d love to hear from you—when was the last time you felt awkward at work, and how did you handle it?
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Rachel