Undermined by Male Colleagues? Strategies for Women to Stand Firm and Come Out Powerfully
Being undermined by male colleagues is a common challenge for many women. According to Catalyst, 45% of women report experiencing belittling or condescending behaviour from male colleagues, impacting their confidence and career progression.
Many Iron Ladies have faced this challenge and come out stronger by applying the following strategies.
Strategies to Stand Firm
1. Be Vocal About Your Expertise: Confidently state your knowledge and experience to establish authority. This helps to counteract any attempts to undermine your credibility.
Example: “Actually, based on my research and experience, this approach might be more effective.”
2. Build Positive Relationships with Allies: Build relationships with supportive colleagues who can back you up in meetings. Their validation can strengthen your position and deter undermining behavior.
Example: Find colleagues who support you and can validate your expertise in meetings. “I really appreciate your input, Rohini. Would you mind backing me up in the next meeting?”
3. Use Data and Evidence: Support your points with solid data and research to make your case undeniable. This objective approach can effectively counter any baseless criticism.
Example: Support your points with data and research. “According to the latest industry report, this strategy has proven to increase efficiency by 30%.”
4. Address the Behaviour Directly: Have a candid conversation with your colleague about the undermining behaviour. Addressing the issue head-on can help to resolve misunderstandings and set clear boundaries.
Example: “Iโve noticed that my ideas are often dismissed. Can we ensure everyoneโs contributions are considered equally?”
Conclusion
Being undermined by male colleagues is disheartening, but by actively showcasing your expertise, seeking allies, using data, and addressing the behaviour directly, you can stand firm and advance your career.
Ready to assert your expertise and overcome undermining behaviours? Register now for our Women Leadership Masterclass and start your journey today!
