Question by Carla, Technical Program Manager
asked on 2020-04-14

I've been on the receiving end of patronizing male coworkers and mansplainers my entire career and can generally deal with that... what I am currently struggling a bit with is being interrupted and fully talked over. I am Director of Program Management in my current role and, as such, facilitate a majority our meetings. I am the only woman in a 10 person company. I am interrupted and talked over by EVERY leading member and am stunned that they begin with "I don't mean to interrupt, but...." almost every time. I addressed this when defining our culture and, though they agree in principle, each one of them does it and moves on without circling back to hear what they interrupted. I've brought it up in very professional ways both individually and in a group setting. In retrospectives, in one-on-ones, in Executive Leadership Meetings. I've tried humor, I've tried being blunt, it just doesn't end. This behavior doesn't only happen with me, but it happens much more with me than any other male coworker, and I want to address it authentically and successfully. While my role at this company may not last, I would like to hear how others handle this and and suggestions.