I work at a company with mostly men in management positions. I often sit in rooms full of men and am talked over and interrupted more times than I can count. I was recently given feedback that I am too nice and need to be more assertive. I think that is totally valid, as I generally try to do the “more flies with honey” tactic, and it’s just not working.
I have been more assertive lately, but it’s just resulting in the men in these meetings getting defensive. I also have been setting boundaries about what I am willing to tolerate with the ignoring and speaking over me, but nothing is changing.
I am at my wits end and could really use some advice… I just don’t get why it’s okay to be so blatantly rude in a work environment.