What to Do If People Underestimate You as a Leader?

Individuals who are young, introverted, women, or have disabilities often face underestimation due to various biases and stereotypes. Due to this, they are seen as week and is less respected. Respected leaders are more trusted. When a leader are able to demonstrate their competence through their leadership, their followers will be more confident in leader’s directions and decisions.

How to be seen as competent so people don’t underestimate you?

Focus on the present

As a leader, you have deadlines to meet and bigger goals to chase. It is more important to focus on your current progress rather than ruminating on what people say about your ability. What people say about you does not really matter, unless it is feedback. Even though you might be experiencing situations where they are not preferring your assistance for certain tasks, take that as an opportunity for you to focus on your performance and how to be a better leader.

Improve your mindsets

As someone who wants to achieve success, mindsets will always be the most important ones to change. Reflect on your current mindset and reframe that limiting belief. What other people say does not make you, you. Never let their biases become inner voices that come to critique you at night. Ensure to surround yourself with positive affirmations that remind you of your strengths. This will make your mind gradually believe that as time passes. With this, you will not be fazed when someone underestimates you, since your brain believes otherwise.

Celebrate achievements when appropriate

Sometimes, people who don’t fully recognize your abilities can take advantage of you. Never let them give you more or less than what you should be receiving. For example, people could give you more tasks, thinking you should sharpen your skills, or they could give you less recognition because you already showed the best performance. Keep a record of all your achievements and skills to be shared as evidence when discussing advancement opportunities. Also, look for chances to demonstrate your performance through projects or presentations to share with the teams or stakeholders.

Again, sometimes, it is just them, not you

You have been working hard and even receiving recognition, but it is not seen by some people who have undermined you. As someone who is achieving so well in life, this can come across as confusing. When a person criticizes you, it is usually because they are projecting their own fears and weaknesses that they hide deep within themselves. Then, as someone in their life appears and reminds them of the insecurities or flaws that they have, it can trigger them.

Conclusions

Individuals who are young, introverted, women, or have disabilities often face underestimation due to biases and stereotypes. This can lead to a lack of respect and recognition. To combat this, focus on your current progress, reframe limiting beliefs, surround yourself with positive affirmations, and celebrate achievements to showcase your abilities. Remember, criticism often reflects others’ insecurities, not your shortcomings. By maintaining confidence in your competence, you can overcome this and be seen as a capable and respected leader.