It's 2016, people. Can we all agree that both men and women are capable of slaying in the workplace?
Some people are a little slower about learning new information, so let's not hold this against them. For obvious reasons, some men feel threatened and uncomfortable sharing the stage with their female coworkers, although there is no need for them to feel this way. If you're not careful, these men can make you feel guilty for doing your job and being good at it. If they want to act petty because of their insecurities, that's fine; it just means that you have to be the woman to show them a thing or two.
Here are 4 hints that might suggest a guy in your workplace is intimidated by you:
1. He interrupts you.
The one time you're being listened to at the office, this guy suddenly has something to say to draw all eyes back to him. A woman's voice being respected and recognized in the workplace? Say what? Yes sir, it's a thing. If a male co-worker rudely interrupts you, please make sure to continue with what you are saying. And please, don't apologize. Once you have finished, then he may speak. Learning to take turns will take time, but he will get the hang of it.
2. He avoids you.
Does he turn around when he comes across you in the hallway? Does he avoid making eye contact with you in conversations? Does getting simple information from him regarding one of your projects for the week feel like pulling teeth because he rarely gives you the time of day? It could be that he's uncomfortable around you. If this is the case, his insecurities are not your problem. Keep your spine straightened, keep doing your job, and maybe eventually he will realize that you are coworkers.
3. He challenges your ideas at every turn.
Unfortunately, when some people feel threatened, they throw insults or challenge their enemies' ideas in order to retain their own power. But don't give into the temptation to play this guy's game. Remember, you're good at your job. Keep that strong, confident energy, and keep reaching those goals. He'll either learn to play nicely or make himself look like a fool. Either way, the results are in your favor.
4. He undermines your "cute" ideas.
Everybody loves a compliment, right? When you're going out on a first date, when you've bought a new dress, or when you're sporting eyeshadow from a new palette - which was not cheap, by the way - "cute" is a great thing to hear. But if you're communicating a complex idea during a meeting or a presentation, is "cute" really the word you want to hear? Seems a little condescending to me. C'mon, guys.
A woman's intelligence is no cutesy quirk. It's admirable. Your male coworker could stand to learn that it won't kill him to acknowledge that.
