{"id":4305,"date":"2024-09-18T15:55:13","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T19:55:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kellymeerbott.com\/?p=4305"},"modified":"2024-10-17T16:44:28","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T20:44:28","slug":"kellymeerbott-com-art-of-managing-up-female-leaders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/kellymeerbott-com-art-of-managing-up-female-leaders\/","title":{"rendered":"The Art of Managing Up: Designed for Female Leaders, Executives, & CEOs"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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You’re managing a challenging workplace, armed not with weapons, but with words, wisdom, and wit. For female leaders, the professional environment can often feel like a battlefield of mansplaining where every meeting or conversation tests your resilience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

From subtle digs to blatant dismissals, you must be prepared to navigate these dynamics. Over the past 15 years, I\u2019ve guided women through this minefield, witnessing how smart strategies can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and respect.<\/span><\/p>

What Mansplaining Is & Why It Matters<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>

Mansplaining isn\u2019t just a trendy word\u2014it\u2019s the frustrating experience of a man assuming superiority, explaining something to you as if you lack expertise in a field you\u2019ve mastered. It\u2019s a condescending dismissal that can undermine your authority, sap your confidence, and create a culture of disrespect in the workplace.<\/span><\/p>

Mastering the Art of Managing Up<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>

Managing up is like steering through stormy seas. While you can’t control the waves, you can master your course. For female leaders, this isn’t just a nice-to-have skill\u2014it’s essential for maintaining authority in the face of mansplaining and other undermining behaviors from higher-ups.<\/span><\/p>

Here are 8 powerful strategies to navigate these situations with grace and strength.<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a01. When Your Boss Mansplains Your Own Ideas<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>

Imagine this: You present a well-researched idea in a meeting, and your boss leans back, grins, and restates your concept like you\u2019re a child. Don\u2019t let frustration derail you. Instead, calmly assert yourself:<\/span><\/p>

\u201cThank you for summarizing my solution. That aligns with the recommendation I proposed earlier. Let\u2019s explore how we can implement this together.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a02. Know What Makes Your Boss Tick<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>

Be an astute observer of your boss\u2019s preferences. Whether they’re data-driven or appreciate brevity, tailor your communication to match their style. This isn\u2019t manipulation; it\u2019s strategic alignment.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cI know your priority is hitting our quarterly targets, so I\u2019ve prepared a data-driven proposal that aligns with those goals. Shall we go over it together?\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a03. Frame Your Ideas as Solutions<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>

Present your ideas as solutions to the problems that matter most to your boss. This makes it harder for them to dismiss your input, shifting the conversation from your expertise to their needs.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cI\u2019ve noticed we\u2019re struggling with team productivity. I\u2019ve developed a plan to streamline processes\u2014how do you think this aligns with our current objectives?\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a04. Arm Yourself with Data<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>

When mansplaining strikes, don\u2019t get emotional\u2014get factual. Support your points with data that\u2019s impossible to ignore.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cOur market analysis shows a 20% gap in our strategy. Here\u2019s the data supporting my recommendation to close that gap.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a05. Communicate Assertively<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>

Being assertive doesn\u2019t mean being aggressive. It means standing your ground with respect and clarity. When interrupted or undermined, reclaim the floor confidently:<\/span><\/p>

\u201cI appreciate your input, but I\u2019m already familiar with that. Here\u2019s why what I\u2019m proposing addresses the underlying issue.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a06. Build a Network of Allies<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>

As I said in part one of this series<\/strong>,<\/a> strength comes in numbers. Build relationships with female leaders and male colleagues who understand the challenges you face. They can offer support, amplify your voice, and provide critical advice.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cI\u2019ve been facing challenges with my boss\u2019s feedback. Can we discuss strategies you\u2019ve used in similar situations?\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a07. Keep a Paper Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>

Documentation is your silent advocate. Keep detailed records of your contributions to ensure your work is recognized. This can be invaluable when it comes to performance reviews or disputes.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cI\u2019ve kept a log of our meetings and my contributions. I can provide documentation to support our progress.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a08. Know When to Escalate<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>

If the situation doesn\u2019t improve despite your efforts, it\u2019s time to escalate. Don\u2019t hesitate to involve HR or seek external support to protect your career.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cI\u2019ve tried to address this directly, but the ongoing issues are impacting my ability to contribute. I\u2019d like to discuss this with HR to find a resolution.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>

How to Stay Safe from Retaliation & Stand Strong<\/b><\/span><\/h4>

The fear of retaliation is real, but it shouldn\u2019t paralyze you. With the right strategies, you can minimize risk while maintaining your integrity and progressing in your career.<\/span><\/b><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2022 Pick Your Battles<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h5>

Not every instance of mansplaining requires confrontation. Focus on the moments that truly matter and conserve your energy for bigger issues.<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u201cI appreciate your perspective, but let\u2019s prioritize [critical issue] for now and revisit other concerns later.\u201d<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2022 <\/b><\/em>Stay Professional \u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h5>

Channel any frustration into constructive communication. Keep your tone professional and your focus sharp.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m committed to finding a solution that works for both of us. Let\u2019s discuss how we can move forward productively.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>

\u2022 Build a Positive Relationship with Your Boss<\/b><\/span><\/h5><\/blockquote>

Even in the face of mansplaining, fostering a relationship based on mutual respect can help reduce conflict and minimize the risk of retaliation.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m excited about the direction we\u2019re heading. How can I best support our goals to ensure we succeed together?\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>

Thrive Despite the Mansplainers<\/b><\/span><\/h4>

As a female leader, you\u2019re here to do more than survive\u2014you\u2019re here to thrive. By understanding your boss\u2019s triggers, framing your ideas as solutions, and standing firm in your expertise, you can command the respect you deserve. This journey may be challenging, but with every step, you grow more confident, resilient, and successful.<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Kelly Meerbott, PCC<\/em><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is a renowned expert in executive leadership. 90% of Kelly\u2019s clients achieve their goals, underscoring the effectiveness of her methods. As a keynote speaker, author, and podcast host, Kelly continues to influence the field of executive leadership. C<\/em>urrently accepting new clients for 2025.<\/em><\/p>

Discover how her coaching can transform your leadership journey<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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For female leaders, managing in the workplace often feels like a battlefield of mansplaining. Learn how to successfully navigate this mindfield and THRIVE.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4315,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[303,64,193,194,125,210,209,53,302,87,86],"tags":[167,297,306,294,293,307,154],"class_list":["post-4305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mansplaining","category-ego-mastery","category-empathetic-leadership","category-empathy","category-executive-coaching","category-executive-leadership","category-leadership","category-leadership-development","category-mansplain","category-personal-development","category-setting-boundaries","tag-culture","tag-female-leaders","tag-managing","tag-mansplain","tag-mansplaining","tag-navigating-work","tag-workplace"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4305","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4305"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4498,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4305\/revisions\/4498"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4315"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4305"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}