If you are a woman professional, just imagine this situation.
You have just given a presentation, flush with facts, figures and anecdotes and are feeling good about yourself. After the usual Q&A from your audience, a male colleague tells you how you could have done a better job. Or he keeps interrupting with nuances of strategies or concepts you might have missed.
Does this scenario strike a chord or rejig a memory? Well, you have been mansplaining or talked over. Oxford Dictionary defines this as a situation when a man explains things, typically to a woman, in a manner regarded as condescending or patronising.
Both of these are highly prevalent phenomena in the corporate world. Self’s ‘Women In Work’ analysis, which surveyed 2000 women professionals in the US, found that women are mansplained about 300 times a year on an average. Needless to say, none of the ladies appreciated it a bit.
As Suman Gahlot, GM, Aloft New Delhi Aerocity stated, “There is no need for male professionals to explain business, strategies or concepts to their women peers. Women are at par in assimilating and comprehending facts and information.”
In her opinion, a true professional is never hindered by gender, age, caste or creed. Nonetheless, mansplaining is a habit that is strongly ingrained in some men, often without their conscious knowledge. “There is never a gender specific differentiation even in professional education. Hence, there is no need for mansplaining whatsoever,” she pointed out.
FEELING LIKE A WOMAN
During the US vice presidential debate last year, Senator Kamala Harris firmly asked VP Mike Pence to stop talking over her by stating, “I’m speaking.” These five words uttered by her became a rage on the internet and gave many women hope, who often deal with mansplaining at home and work. More often than not, they patiently wait for the mansplainer to finish their diatribe, then smile and move on. But is that the best way to deal with the situation?
Gahlot believed that it entirely depends on the circumstances. “For instance, during large-scale outdoor assignments or security-related briefs, one notices the stress on specific plans. This is more out of assignment’s nature, which could involve late hours, challenges for unfriendly outdoor environment as well as respect and concern, rather than to undermine a woman’s competency,” she stated.
Hence, it is important for women professionals to distinguish between mansplaining and helpfulness? Gahlot suggested that they should focus on the message rather than the messenger. This keeps the conversation, and outcome, more objective and non-partisan.
PUSH BACK STRATEGIES
When they encounter mansplaining at work, women need to deal with it graciously, yet firmly. This way, they can build their credibility without burning bridges.
“One should be professionally competent with a high level of integrity. The most important dictum they should follow is ‘Know your job’. At the same time, they should speak their mind; politely but firmly,” she advised.
Humour is also a good tool to fall back on while dealing with a mansplainer. Gahlot recalled how she lightened a situation with a colleague who repeatedly interrupted her, but stating that he had explained it very well the first time, and constant reiteration was unnecessary.
A quick wit can ease the mood, especially during stressful times. It also nurtures approachability, and shows that the person has confidence. Using all these tools in their arsenal, women can easily navigate situations where they get talked over. And also chart their professional trajectory, without worrying about being side-lined by idle talking over.
