Why Are Less Qualified People Getting Ahead While You’re Overlooked?
Have you ever spoken up in a meeting, only to be ignored—until a man repeats your idea and suddenly, it’s “brilliant”?!
Or watched someone with half your experience take the lead while you’re still waiting for people to recognize your skills?
You’re not imagining it. Women in leadership face a different set of rules when it comes to gaining respect.
But here’s the truth: Respect and authority aren’t given—they’re claimed. And while the system may be unfair, there are strategies you can use to shift the way people perceive you.
If you want to stop being overlooked, here are three unspoken rules every woman must follow to be taken seriously at work.
Rule #1: Speak with Certainty—Not Permission
🚨 If you sound unsure, people will assume you are.
Women are often taught to soften their speech to be seen as more “approachable” or “likeable,” but this comes at a cost. The way you speak can either command respect or invite doubt.
Common mistakes that make you sound uncertain:
❌ Softening language – “I just think…”, “I could be wrong, but…”
❌ Raising your pitch at the end of sentences – Turning statements into questions
❌ Over-explaining – Feeling the need to justify every point
💡 The Fix:
✅ Drop words like “just,” “maybe,” or “I feel like.”
✅ Make your point and stop talking. Silence is powerful.
✅ Lower your tone at the end of a sentence to project confidence.
📌 Try This: Next time you speak in a meeting, state your point clearly and stop. No apologies. No extra justifications. Watch how people respond differently.
Rule #2: Set Boundaries—Early and Firmly
🚨 If you don’t set boundaries, people will assume they can interrupt you, dismiss your contributions, or pile extra work onto you.
Many women hesitate to enforce boundaries because they fear being seen as difficult or uncooperative. But here’s the truth: People respect those who set clear limits.
💡 The Fix:
✅ If someone interrupts you: “I wasn’t finished speaking.”
✅ If a colleague takes credit for your idea: “Yes, that’s exactly what I mentioned earlier.”
✅ If someone pushes extra work onto you: “I’m at capacity right now. Let’s find another solution.”
📌 Try This: The next time you’re interrupted, don’t shrink back. Calmly reclaim the floor.
Rule #3: Own Your Space—Physically and Mentally
🚨 How you carry yourself affects how seriously people take you—before you even speak.
Your body language, facial expressions, and energy send a message about your confidence level. Many women unconsciously make themselves smaller, which makes them appear less authoritative.
❌ Sitting at the edge of a chair instead of leaning back with confidence
❌ Folding arms or fidgeting, signaling discomfort
❌ Avoiding eye contact when speaking
💡 The Fix:
✅ Walk into a room like you belong there.
✅ Make eye contact when you speak.
✅ Use open gestures instead of shrinking into yourself.
📌 Try This: Before your next big meeting or presentation, stand tall, breathe deeply, and claim your space.
You Deserve to Be Heard & Respected
If you take nothing else from this, remember this: The way you present yourself teaches others how to treat you.
💡 Your voice is valuable. Your ideas are important. And your leadership deserves recognition.
If you’re ready to step into your full power and master the skills of confidence, authority, and leadership, I have something coming soon that will help you do exactly that.
🔥 Keep an eye out for details on “The Power Within” – a transformational programme for women ready to own their success.
👉 Want more strategies like these delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for my newsletter, where I share exclusive insights on confidence, leadership, and success—before anyone else gets them.
Which of these rules are you going to start using today? Drop a comment and let’s talk. 👇
All the best,
Steve
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