The 5-Minute Trick Men Use That Undermines Women in Meetings (And How to Stop It)

In meetings, power dynamics can often be subtle yet significant. One of the most overlooked, but damaging, behaviors in professional settings is a 5-minute trick that disproportionately affects women: interrupting. Whether done intentionally or unconsciously, this behavior undermines women’s voices and contributions. In this post, we’ll dive into why this happens, how it impacts women in meetings, and, most importantly, what we can do to address it.

The trick we're talking about is interrupting -specifically when men interrupt women during meetings. While interruptions might seem trivial in the moment, they have long-lasting effects on women’s careers and their perceived authority in the workplace.

•  What Happens During Interruptions:

The typical scenario involves a man cutting off a woman while she is speaking, often with a quick interjection or attempt to steer the conversation in another direction. This brief moment, lasting just five minutes or less, can derail her point and diminish her credibility.

These interruptions are not just disruptive; they reflect underlying biases about authority and expertise. Men are often socialized to be more assertive in meetings, while women are expected to be more passive. When women are interrupted, it sends a signal that their ideas are not as important, or that their voice doesn’t deserve to be heard fully.

The consequences of these subtle actions add up. Here's how:

1. Loss of Credibility:

Research shows that interrupted women are perceived as less competent than their male counterparts, even if the woman’s idea is solid. Each interruption chips away at the perception of a woman's authority, potentially affecting her career progression.

2. Diminished Confidence:

Repeated interruptions can erode a woman's confidence in her ability to contribute to meetings. If her ideas are cut off before fully expressed, she may become less likely to speak up in the future, reinforcing the cycle of underrepresentation.

3. Disrupted Conversations:

Not only does this dynamic harm the individual being interrupted, but it can also disrupt the flow of the entire discussion. Important points are lost, and productivity suffers. The meeting becomes less collaborative and more combative, detracting from everyone’s ability to contribute meaningfully.

Interruptions often happen so quickly that they go unnoticed, but they have a big impact. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Quick Interjections: If a person interrupts the speaker right as they start to make a point or when they're about to provide crucial information.

• Changing the Topic: A common interruption occurs when a person shifts the topic away from the woman's idea, often before she’s had the chance to elaborate.

• Talking Over: Sometimes, the interruption involves speaking over the woman’s voice, overshadowing her without giving her a chance to complete her thought.

While interrupting may seem like a small issue, there are effective strategies that can be implemented to stop it. Here’s how we can tackle this problem in meetings:

1. Awareness Training:

It’s essential to raise awareness about unconscious bias in the workplace. By recognizing that interrupting is a harmful habit, both men and women can be more mindful about giving each other space to speak.

2. Creating Clear Meeting Etiquette:

Teams should implement ground rules for meetings. This includes giving everyone time to speak and not cutting anyone off. A facilitator or moderator can ensure that the conversation flows smoothly without anyone dominating or interrupting.

3. Empower Women to Speak Up:

Encouraging women to assert themselves and regain control of their space in meetings is important. If a woman is interrupted, others in the room can support her by saying, “Let’s let [name] finish her point.” This ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

4. Use Active Listening:

All participants in a meeting should engage in active listening, where the goal is to understand, not to respond. By focusing on understanding the speaker’s message, participants are less likely to feel the need to interrupt.

5. Take Action:

If you're a manager or meeting organizer, take proactive steps to ensure the meetings are balanced. This may mean assigning speaking turns or encouraging more inclusive discussions where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute.

The 5-minute trick of interrupting may seem minor, but its impact on women’s careers is far-reaching. When women are interrupted in meetings, they are denied the chance to fully present their ideas, undermining their professional growth and diminishing their credibility. The solution lies in awareness, respect, and actively changing meeting dynamics to ensure that everyone has the chance to be heard.

What has been your experience with interruptions in meetings? How do you think we can better support women’s voices in professional environments? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!