37 -1 I Power and Dynamics: Why Micoraggressions from Other Women Hurt

In This Episode We Discuss: What microaggressions between women can look like in the workplace Why these moments can feel especially painful or confusing Scarcity culture and the “only one seat at the table” phenomenon Internalized sexism and alignment with dominant workplace norms How race, sexuality, age, motherhood, neurodivergence, and class shape power dynamics among women The difference between intent and impact Moving from competition to collective advancement Key Themes Microaggressions Are Often Subtle but Cumulative Small comments about tone, ambition, appearance, or commitment can reinforce harmful stereotypes and signal who “belongs.” Diversity Changes the Power Conversation Not all women hold the same social power. Intersections of race, sexuality, disability, age, and motherhood status influence workplace experiences. Scarcity Fuels Competition When leadership representation is limited, women may unconsciously compete for proximity to power rather than collaborate. Intent Does Not Erase Impact Even well-meaning comments can reinforce exclusion. Awareness matters. Solidarity Is a Practice Supporting other women requires intention, not assumption. Reflection Questions Have I ever felt smaller after interacting with another woman at work? What specifically shifted? Where might I unconsciously judge other women for being “too much” or “not enough”? How has scarcity culture shaped the way I navigate leadership or visibility? If I hold power in my workplace, how am I using it to amplify others? Practical Takeaways Amplify other women’s ideas in meetings. Interrupt subtle dismissals. Credit contributions publicly. Examine internalized narratives about leadership, tone, and competence. Shift from competition to collaboration. Why This Matters Inclusive cultures aren’t built by accident. They’re built when individuals become conscious of how power moves — and choose to move differently. Diversity isn’t just about representation. It’s about how we distribute voice, validation, and opportunity. When women move from scarcity to solidarity, workplaces change. We would love to connect with you. Facebook: Communication Skills for Working Women Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: [email protected]