Managing Feedback from Individuals Who Challenge Your Expertise

Dismissive behavior from colleagues, managers, or clients can be disheartening and frustrating. This issue is common, and it is essential to address it head-on with confidence and clarity.

Drawing inspiration from my previous experiences and articles, I offer practical advice and encouragement for navigating these challenging interactions.

It's super important to recognize and celebrate your expertise first and foremost. As I discussed overcoming impostor syndrome in my previous article, "Triumphing Over Impostor Syndrome: My Odyssey to Unwavering Confidence ," it's crucial to recognize your worth and the value you bring. Understand that your accomplishments are a testament to your skills and hard work, not mere luck. By affirming your expertise to yourself, you can project confidence in your interactions with others.

Dealing with dismissive behavior can be tough, but staying composed and assertive is important. Here are a few strategies to consider:

1. Direct Communication: Politely but firmly address the behavior when it occurs. For instance, if a colleague or manager dismisses your feedback, you might say, "I noticed you overlooked my point. I believe it's essential because…" This approach reasserts your contribution without aggression.
2. Seek Support: Just like I said before, it's really important to find allies in the workplace who appreciate and value your ideas. Whether it's a mentor, a colleague, or a supporter, having someone in your corner can boost your confidence and give you a space to share your experiences.
3. Document Your Contributions: Keep a record of your ideas and contributions. This practice helps when you need to assert your input and serves as a tangible reminder of your expertise and the value you add to your team and projects. A great place to document is under each job in the Experiences section of your LinkedIn profile or under Projects on your LinkedIn profile (yes, time to utilize those sections).

Cultivating an Inclusive Environment

Creating a supportive and inclusive work environment benefits everyone. Drawing from my insights in "Beyond the Title: Embracing Everyday Leadership in Any Role ", we can foster a culture of empathy, active listening, and mutual respect.

1. Practice Empathy and Active Listening. By modeling these behaviors, you encourage others to do the same. Actively listen to your colleagues and clients and validate their contributions, setting a standard for respectful interactions.
2. Empower Others: Encourage and uplift your colleagues by recognizing and valuing their input. This approach builds a collaborative environment and sets a precedent for how you expect to be treated in return.
3. Show Appreciation and Recognition: Acknowledge the efforts and achievements of those around you. Creating a culture of appreciation can transform the workplace into a more positive and inclusive space.

Let me share some personal experiences that illustrate the impact of dismissive behavior and the value of mutual respect and collaboration.

Example 1: Dismissed Ideas

I once had a manager who consistently dismissed my suggestions and ideas, making me feel like I wasn't providing any valuable input. Despite my extensive experience and proven track record, this manager always seemed to undermine my contributions. Eventually, they sought advice from an outside agency that recommended the changes I had initially proposed. This manager implemented these changes and credited the outside agency for the revised campaign, completely overlooking my original input, although others acknowledged that I had proposed the same.

It was a frustrating experience, but it taught me the importance of standing firm in my expertise and working with people who genuinely value my contributions.

Example 2: Valued Collaboration

On the other hand, I had a client who came to me with concerns about their brand messaging and overall branding strategy. We sat down several times and did deep dives into branding and content, analyzing every aspect. I developed a revised messaging strategy and brand guidelines, and the client was entirely on board with my suggestions. We worked closely to implement the changes, and the results were astounding. The client saw an over 200% increase in website traffic almost immediately after we began implementing the changes. This experience highlighted the power of collaboration and the positive outcomes when clients respect and value your expertise.

Immersive Collaboration for Success

The success of any project is significantly enhanced when clients or leadership immerse you in every conversation and detail. Understanding the project's roadmap, strategies, and nuances allows you to provide meaningful advice and solutions. When things are siloed, it makes it less successful and impactful to provide assistance and the best solutions.

By being included in the full scope of a project, from initial brainstorming sessions to strategic planning and execution, you can offer well-informed insights that are deeply aligned with the project's goals. This holistic involvement ensures the full utilization of your expertise and the value of your contributions.

Strategies for Overcoming Dismissive Behavior

Facing and addressing dismissive behavior in the workplace is crucial for fostering a respectful and supportive environment. Here are some additional tips to navigate these situations with grace:

1. Stay Professional: Always maintain professionalism, even when addressing undermining behavior. Always uphold a positive reputation and confidently stand up for yourself without worsening the situation.
2. Build a Support Network: Engage with professional organizations and networks that support your field. These groups can offer valuable resources, advice, and a community of like-minded individuals who understand your experiences.
3. Seek Formal Support if Needed: If the behavior persists and impacts your work, consider addressing it through formal channels such as HR or workplace mediation. Documenting evidence of your contributions and the undermining behavior can strengthen your case. Of course, this is difficult if you're an independent consultant, but there may be other ways to mediate.
4. Reframe Negative Feedback: Sometimes, dismissive behavior can come in the form of negative feedback. Instead of taking it personally, try to reframe it as an opportunity for growth. Ask clarifying questions to understand the specific concerns and use the feedback to improve your skills and performance.
5. Practice Assertive Communication: Being assertive means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs respectfully and confidently. Use "I" statements to convey your perspective without blaming or accusing others. For example, "I feel my contributions aren't fully considered, and I'd like to discuss how we can better collaborate."
6. Cultivate Resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward. Strengthen your resilience by focusing on your goals, maintaining a positive outlook, and seeking out opportunities for professional development.

Creating a Culture of Respect and Inclusivity

Building a culture of respect and inclusivity is the responsibility of leaders and every team member. Here are some ways to contribute to a positive work environment:

1. Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. Regularly check in with your colleagues and clients and create open, honest communication spaces.
2. Model Respectful Behavior: Lead by example by treating everyone with respect and kindness. Acknowledge and address any biases or behaviors contributing to a dismissive culture.
3. Support Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Actively participate in and support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within your organization. Celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of all team members.
4. Provide Constructive Feedback: When giving feedback, focus on specific behaviors and outcomes rather than personal attributes. Use positive language and offer actionable suggestions for improvement.
5. Celebrate Successes: Recognize and celebrate the successes of your team members. Acknowledging big and small achievements can boost morale and foster a sense of belonging.

My Final Thoughts...

Dealing with feedback from colleagues, managers, or clients that undermines your expertise can be tough, but you can navigate it with time and effort.

It's so important to always believe in yourself and your worth. By acknowledging your value, addressing any negative behaviors positively, and creating an environment of inclusivity, you can overcome challenges and succeed in your career.

Always remember that you have a place in every situation where your skills are needed, and your thoughts and opinions should be valued and appreciated.

Stay fierce and fabulous!