If you’ve ever had a man repeat what you just said—louder, slower, as if you needed the translation—you know the frustration of mansplaining. It isn’t just rude; it undercuts authority and drains confidence.
Here are three ways women leaders can respond without losing their cool:
- Stay Calm—With Humor.
Sometimes a witty line is enough: “Thanks for the rerun—I think we got it the first time.” Humor defuses tension while making the point clear. - Engage Constructively.
Use phrases like, “I appreciate your perspective—here’s how I originally framed it.” This reasserts your ownership of the idea while keeping the discussion professional. - Call It Out When Needed.
In moments where the undermining is persistent, a direct response is necessary: “I’ve already shared that point. Let’s build from there.”
Mansplaining happens, but it doesn’t have to derail you. With the right tools, you can turn interruptions into opportunities to lead with clarity and composure.
