Projecting authority as a working woman, especially as a woman of color, can be a challenge in the workplace. Due to the many stereotypes associated with being a woman at work, it can be difficult to get the respect and consideration you deserve as a working woman. This is largely due to the fact that women are still the minority at work, in number and representation. Additionally, many organizations still adhere to a patriarchal, and mostly masculine professional mentality, which only reinforces this. While this can be a sad reality in many professional environments, there are thankfully some powerful ways in which you can establish your authority as a working woman in any capacity and professional setting.
As a woman of color at work, I, like so many others, have found myself in situations when projecting the authority associated with my work responsibilities was a challenge. While I was tempted to blame others at first, I quickly understood that stereotypes and general perception bias embedded in centuries of past history were much more to blame. I decided then, rather, to focus on how to bypass these biases and establish authority in a constructive and healthy manner.
Related: Is the Angry Black Woman Stereotype Keeping You From Career Success?
As I learnt through this process and from other working women, here are some of the ways I realized can be used to project authority as a working woman:
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Dress Formally
Appearance is key. Most people will form an impression (and opinion) of you in the first five minutes they meet you. While initial impressions may be misleading, they are still relied on by many, if not most, people as they decide whether or not to attribute a certain level authority to someone else.
Just as you’d show up to an interview well-dressed in a professional suit or attire, consider presenting yourself in a formal dress to establish your authority. There is something about a professionally dressed person that commands respect, and projects their authority.
Related: 10 wardrobe tips you must consider when transitioning careers
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Display your competence
Establishing your authority is also a matter of proving that you can be trusted when it comes to your professional competence. Unfortunately, there are a number of negative stereotypes and biases directed as minority groups such as women and people of color that tend to suggest otherwise.
Don’t hesitate to display your competence, not as a way to brag or boast; but to show that you know what you’re talking about. This may mean positively contributing to meetings, or being a reliable source of information and guidance. Overall, it’s about showing a spirit of excellence in the work you do.
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Be ethical
As mentioned earlier, establishing your authority is also about laying a foundation of trust between yourself and your colleagues or higher-ups. It also means showing high levels of integrity and ethics in everything you do, from your dealings with peers and management to your business decisions.
It starts with considering the impact of your decisions and how they may affect those around you. By taking others into consideration, you’re also sending a positive message of trust and authority.
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Make use of formal titles
Along with a formal dress, formal titles are also part of the trappings of authority. While they may not always be necessary, they can help in establishing you as a respected professional figure. Whether you’re a professor at a university or a manager at an accounting firm, making use of your title is less about boasting than it is about projecting your authority.
The only caveat here is that it’s important to determine the cases in which making excessive use of formal titles could be perceived negatively. As always, use your judgment to assess the situations you’re in.
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Build positive rapport with others
While it’s important to use formal trappings of authority such as titles and professional dress, it’s also crucial to build a positive rapport with others at work. Authority is better cemented with respect, consideration and positive relationships with others.
Positive rapport with others also involves setting the appropriate boundaries, while being as firm and assertive as needed, when needed. This is not about being the office doormat, but rather installing respect in others through a positive, yet firm attitude.
As a working woman, especially as a woman of color, it can be challenging to establish and maintain your authority in the workplace. Yet, keeping in mind these few useful and practical tips, and applying them as you deem necessary, can certainly help.
Now your turn: How do you establish your authority as a working woman?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister
