In the last month... I've had at least three.... meetings with men, on a variety of things. In all cases, these men are aggressive, alpha male types, take charge, and test the sh!tola outta me.
Now, in normal Corri mode, I would typically bristle at this type of treatment and go into what I call my own 'alpha-woman' type behavior. In your face, take you on, pin you against a friggin' wall... and I would do it in a very professional, lawyerly, cross-examination, go for the juglar, type way.... but SMILE while doing it. 'Cuz I used to HATE it when I felt like a man was patronizing me in a business setting. (Like... "you wanna go to the MAT with ME, puppy dog? Bring it on... let's dance.) And quite honestly, it worked for me... but I don't know that anyone was going to buy me a drink after the meeting, kwis?
But in my last recent meetings... wow. I keep thinking to myself, 'who is this person and where did she come from?' I STILL do not allow myself to be discredited because I am a woman... but rather... I am a woman, first and foremost, and yes, you may pull out my chair for me, thank you... I listen, and then I go about my business of point/counter point through a series of well placed, thought provoking questions, rather than outright challenge. I compliment the man for his valid points, build on it and work with that, rather than prove why he is wrong... and then go about making my point.
I don't know if the end result in my business dealings are any different... but at least the guys are pulling out my chairs, opening doors for me, and buying my drinks.
