Advice

[divanerd]

I work with men.some are downright sexist.I'm one of two women on leadership team....

Lately, I am finding when in meetings im interrupted, like abruptly.

My role does involve challenging them to think or consider things differently depending on option A or option B for example.

Any thoughts in how I should respond in this scenario....

cuz I'm one day away without my morning coffee from them meeting my fiercer side.

[kicks]

I'm not going to lie, I'm not good at the immediate confrontation.
I usually say things in somewhat of a joking manner if it's the first or second offense.
After that, then I get serious. Probably not the best approach, but that's my personality. I definitely need to work on being firmer immediately.

[CrazyLucky]

Have you tried a polite version yet? "Excuse me, I'd like to finish my point." If it's a small enough team and the chemistry is decent, you can "kiddingly" correct him. "As I was saying before sexist interrupted me...."
Who is leading the meetings? If it's you, you have every right to exert your control. You can try something at the beginning of the next meeting where you ask them what they think are reasonable ground rules, and make sure no interrupting makes the list. If someone else is leading the meetings, could you talk to the person separately? If it's another man, chances are he doesn't even notice. I'm constantly frustrated that DH doesn't pick up on ssexist things until they're pointed out to him.
Is your realtionship with the interrupters good enough to speak to them privately about it later?

Good luck. I work in a male dominated field, and it's ridiculous how relieved I feel when there is even one other owman in the room.

[thejackpot]

Could you firmly say, "let me finish" or "you can have the floor in a minute"? Maybe they don't realize how often they are interrupting you.
If you have tried that, I agree with pp about laying some ground rules at the start of the meeting. Even if you frame it as you have some concerns about recent meetings and their productivity.

[andwhat]

I just read an article today about how male/female professional interactions have been more hostile (can't think of a better word) since the election.

I think you need to have practiced phrases if this is a challenge for you. I follow ask, tell, make but that may not work in every job.
1. Would you let me finish my point before you continue?
2. Firmly. When I am finished you can have the floor.
3. You will not cut me off. When I finish you can talk.

[divanerd]

Thanks ladies! The practiced comeback feels safe....I will try that....

[calle28]

Mar 12, 2017 12:52:57 GMT -5 andwhat said:

I just read an article today about how male/female professional interactions have been more hostile (can't think of a better word) since the election.

I think you need to have practiced phrases if this is a challenge for you. I follow ask, tell, make but that may not work in every job.
1. Would you let me finish my point before you continue?
2. Firmly. When I am finished you can have the floor.
3. You will not cut me off. When I finish you can talk.

I really like 1 and 2. I'd practice at home and ever so slightly raise your voice.

Make sure you look the interrupter right in the eye too.

[Beeps (WOT?*)]

Mar 12, 2017 21:22:38 GMT -5 calle28 said:

Mar 12, 2017 12:52:57 GMT -5 andwhat said:

I just read an article today about how male/female professional interactions have been more hostile (can't think of a better word) since the election.

I think you need to have practiced phrases if this is a challenge for you. I follow ask, tell, make but that may not work in every job.
1. Would you let me finish my point before you continue?
2. Firmly. When I am finished you can have the floor.
3. You will not cut me off. When I finish you can talk.

I really like 1 and 2. I'd practice at home and ever so slightly raise your voice.

Make sure you look the interrupter right in the eye too.

Except in the case of #1 I would not make it a question. "I would like to finish my point without any further interruption please."

[divanerd]

Things are going well, thanks ladies for the advice I've even had one person come and speak with me one on one about his own behavior...Funny. sometimes you worry about being so PC you truly just need to say some things....

Thanks again