M.M
My executive manager, sitting in a meeting, told me to ‘look’ him in his eyes and to ‘never to speak’ to my male team leader in the ‘tone’ I used. I was instructed to ‘show respect’ to my team leader, as he is promoting my skills behind the scenes, and I should be ‘grateful’. I was shocked and could feel tears welling up, however, I managed to hold it back (even though I think they could see it). I was angry and disappointed that I apologised like a meek little girl – even though I was belittled and disrespected by these two individuals. I’m the only female on my team with 15 years IT experience. I was under the impression that my work within my team and the compliments I was receiving from business owners, was due to the quality of output. My mistake was to assert myself in a moment I felt safe and respected and part of the boys club. It clearly made the two men very uncomfortable. I now rather keep to myself and continue with the friendly, smiling pleasantries and be the ‘little helper’ they expect and adore, even though they are my peers.