How to Respond to Provocative Workplace Behavior

In my mission to empower #1MillionWomenBy2030 to sit at the table of their dreams, I hear stories of Black and Brown women facing toxic behaviors in the workplace far too often. One of my coaching clients recently stood up to a toxic, sexist sales leader, and in a heated moment, let her emotions get the best of her—putting her career and reputation at risk. We’ve all been there—facing prejudice, bias, and bullying. It’s frustrating, it’s exhausting, and it feels personal. But as women striving to break barriers and rise into leadership, how we handle these situations matters. And we CAN do it in ways that protect our careers and our dignity. Kamala Harris has shown us how to master this in public debates, but her approach offers valuable lessons for the workplace and boardroom, too. ➡️ Here are 5 powerful takeaways from Kamala’s approach that can help us navigate these challenges: 1️⃣ Stay Composed, Stay Powerful: When Kamala faces opposition, she doesn’t lose her cool. She remains calm, collected, and controlled—and that’s exactly how we own the room. When emotions take over, we give away our power. Hold onto yours by staying composed. 2️⃣ Shift the Story: Don’t let a toxic person define the moment. Reframe it by focusing on YOUR value and strength. You are more than their bias, their assumptions, or their behavior. You belong at the table—and you define your story. 3️⃣ Deflect With Grace: Kamala uses humor and calm deflection to shift the narrative. When faced with offensive comments, sometimes a smile or well-placed question is enough to disarm them. You don’t need to feed their fire—show them it’s not even worth your energy. 4️⃣ Address the Behavior with Precision: Call out toxic behavior, but do it wisely. Focus on the issue, not the person. This keeps the conversation professional and shifts the power in your favor. Strategic words can cut deeper than emotional outbursts. 5️⃣ Lead with Solutions: Kamala doesn’t just counter chaos—she presents herself as the alternative. In the workplace, we can lead by showing that WE are the solution, that professionalism and inclusivity drive results. This elevates us beyond the fray. To the women out there facing these battles every day: You are strong, you are capable, and you belong at the table. Don’t let anyone push you off your path. How we navigate these challenges isn’t just about today—it’s about the legacy we build for future generations of women leaders. What strategies have helped you rise above toxic workplace environments? Share your insights and let’s empower each other to keep breaking barriers. #WomenInLeadership #ExecutivePresence #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #Sales

FRIDAY HR ADVICE CORNER Q. Hi Liz, what do you recommend I do when a manager comes into my office (actually storms in) and says, “I need to write someone up right now?” (And the manager is not calm.) I usually try to say, it looks like you’re upset, and I’d like to talk to you about it when you are calmer, how is tomorrow morning? But they usually say, no, we need to do it now. I don’t want to get into a battle about jurisdiction, but I don’t think this is a good conversation to have when a manager is that emotional. Of course, I will not participate in a write up for disciplinary action when tempers are running so high. Beyond a flat “no,” how can I handle this situation? A. Luckily, you don’t need to say no. You can say, “I understand, and I will make time in my schedule for a meeting tomorrow.” If necessary, repeat what you said until they understand that their frustration will not sway you. When emotions are running hot, you are the voice of calm reason. People feel strong emotions at work. Work is a stressful place. You instinct is right on. We should never, ever take any kind of disciplinary action or start a conversation with an employee about an incident until everyone involved is in the right headspace. There is never urgency around putting someone on probation or writing them up, if that even turns out to be necessary. The manager‘s strong emotion and urgency are related to their anger and desire to control the situation. That is a common response on the part of a new manager who may feel threatened or feel their authority is being challenged (as indeed it may be). This, as you know, is not the appropriate response on their part. If you run into this problem with an experienced manager, it’s a signal they are under too much stress and/or are unclear on the right approach to a workplace incident. As they mature as a leader, they will realize that the objective is not to “let the employee know who’s boss” or bring the hammer down, but to figure out what went wrong (if anything did go wrong) and calmly talk about how to get a better outcome the next time. Folks, have you run into the situation? How did you handle it?

My coworker said to me, “I wish I could sell you” 🎯Navigating moments of bias or inappropriate comments in professional spaces can feel overwhelming, especially when you're caught off guard. Here’s what I’ve learned about how to respond in a way that prioritizes your well-being and protects your career: 💬 Address it calmly, if possible. If a comment makes you uncomfortable, it’s okay to ask, “What do you mean by that?” This gives the speaker a chance to reflect on their words while allowing you to regain control of the moment. 🖋️ Document everything. Follow up with the individual over email, stating what was said and asking for further clarification. For a more detailed, timestamped account of what occurred, email yourself a description of what just happened. Having a written record can be invaluable if you ever need to escalate the situation. 🌱 Prioritize your mental health. These moments can be taxing. Step away. Your mental health and safety is top priority. Lean on people you trust and have an honest conversation with yourself about what you need to help process your emotions and determine next steps. 🛠️ Know your resources. Familiarize yourself with HR policies and workplace reporting tools so you feel empowered to take action if necessary. ✨ Lastly, you are entitled to your emotions. Don’t ever let the narrative of needing to be “grateful” or anyone’s response to your situation make you forget that. You’re a competent professional that knows when things are not okay. Trust that and yourself above all else. #softwareengineer #corporate #techjobs #dei #diversityandinclusion ——————————————————————— 🙋🏾♀️Hi, I’m Naya! ✨I share tips & insights for new and aspiring tech professionals 👩🏾💻Get my free 20-page career transition guide https://lnkd.in/geu6JgNr 🤓Follow for daily tips & insights