Has any of these statements been thrown at you at work?

• “Wow, you did a great job on that project, considering your lack of experience in this field.”
• “You speak English so well for someone from your country.”
• “You’re pretty efficient for a woman.”
• “You’re probably not interested in a leadership role, given that you prefer a work-life balance.”
• “You’re pretty smart for a recent graduate.”
• “I assumed you wouldn’t be interested in joining our business trip since you have young children at home.”
• “You look much more professional now that you’ve changed your hairstyle.”

And so on… While these statements sound like compliments to someone, they are deep insults that are backhanded in nature. What makes them more frustrating is how the person who delivers such remarks doesn’t realize the underlying meaning of what they are saying.

“I have passed a backhanded comment to a colleague once. She was interrupting people and dominating meetings during our business trip. I told her she was acting very much in charge and had things under control despite being a woman. I thought I was being very flattering as I had made her actions sound positive. I thought I was being a man with a progressive mindset as I was accommodating her behavior. But she got offended and I later realized why,” said a sales executive from a reputed firm in India.

Let’s narrow down how one can overcome backhanded compliments and assumptions in the workplace by studying the story of Prema.

Prema’s Experiences at Work

Prema works at a leading technology company in India and is known for her unwavering leadership skills, compassion, and ability to inspire others. However, as with many successful individuals, Prema was not immune to backhanded compliments and unwarranted assumptions.

She had recently been appointed as the head of a community organization, and with her newfound position, she faced both praise and scrutiny. While some appreciated her dedication and innovation, others would often interject subtle backhanded compliments or make assumptions about her capabilities based on her gender or age.

“People would tell me to leave work early as I had a family to take care of. I ended up missing some interesting events or meetings I wished to be part of. I was also excluded from casual trips for team building as people assumed my family would need me and my husband wouldn’t appreciate my frequent travels. This just indicated how my manager would respond to his wife traveling often,” Prema said.

Despite the emotional toll these encounters took, Prema knew she had to be strong and handle the situation gracefully. Rather than letting these remarks hinder her growth, she used them as stepping stones to becoming an even more effective leader. She realized that dealing with backhanded comments from unassuming individuals required both self-awareness and resilience.

Also Read: Leadership Skill: How to observe body language in team meetings to win the trust and achieve results

Embracing Leadership in the Face of Adversity

Here are some ways Prema rose to the occasion and combated the issues thrown her way. She handled every situation with grace rather than bursting out or changing her job to a more inclusive place.

Self-Awareness

Prema recognized that the opinions of others did not define her worth or capabilities. She took time to reflect on her achievements, strengths, and areas for improvement. By understanding her value, she built a solid foundation to counteract the impact of backhanded compliments.

Reframing Mindset

Instead of internalizing negative comments, Prema reframed her mindset to view them as opportunities for growth. She focused on turning criticism into constructive feedback and used it to hone her skills further. For example, when someone complimented her choice of clothing and said it made her look more professional, she dug deeper into what she had done differently.

Instead of wondering how her choice of clothing impacted her leadership style and level of professionalism, she chose to ask further. She asked the person who gave her the backhanded compliment what he saw differently in her clothing. When the employee told her the fit made her look taller, her shoulder broader, and her chin rose up; Prema knew what she needed in her closet!

Seek Supportive Relationships

Prema surrounded herself with a support network of friends, mentors, and colleagues who uplifted and believed in her abilities. These relationships served as a source of encouragement and strength, helping her maintain her confidence amidst adversity.

Educating Others

As a leader, Prema understood the importance of educating others about the meanings and implications of backhanded compliments. As mentioned, most people don’t realize they are being rude or assuming beyond what is presented to them. This can only be combated through education and confrontation.

With this in mind, Prema organized workshops and discussions within her community, fostering an environment of respect. She made people act out situations where they wrote down what they wished to say with empathy.

“People had to come forth one by one and write a compliment about any person in the room. They had to be direct and write exactly what they appreciated and why. It helped people read out their thoughts and determine if it is a good compliment or a backhanded one. It helped the team work together and grow as a unit,” said Prema.

Ideas to Overcome Backhanded Compliments and Assumptions

When it comes to stopping yourself from saying inappropriate things, there are some subtle changes you can make. For example, sometimes, it is best to split your sentences into two parts. Instead of saying someone is smart despite being a young graduate, appreciate them for both parts of your statement individually.

You are so smart.

It is remarkable to see a graduate thriving beyond their years.

Sounds better than saying you are so smart despite being a graduate, right? Here are some tips to handle backhanded compliments gracefully:

Respond with Grace

When faced with a backhanded compliment or assumption, responding with grace and composure can disarm the negativity. Acknowledge the comment calmly and steer the conversation toward the intended message without showing frustration.

Address the Issue Directly

In situations where the comment is particularly damaging, consider addressing it directly with the person responsible. Express your feelings assertively and provide insight into how their words affected you. This approach can lead to more understanding and empathy.

Flip the Script

Use humor or sarcasm to respond to backhanded compliments in a way that reflects the absurdity of the remark. This technique can be effective in highlighting the inappropriate nature of such comments while maintaining a sense of control.

Focus on Your Strengths

Concentrate on your strengths and achievements. Remind yourself of your successes and capabilities whenever doubt creeps in. Emphasize your accomplishments, and let your track record speak for itself.

Shift the Spotlight

If you notice someone else receiving a backhanded compliment, step in and shift the spotlight to their accomplishments and skills. Offer genuine praise and recognition to help counterbalance any negativity they may experience.

Prema’s journey highlights the power of resilience and self-awareness when facing backhanded compliments and assumptions. As she embraced her leadership role, Prema learned to rise above the negativity, setting an example for others to follow. Change is fast once you start being mindful about your compliments. If you are on the receiving end, take a deep breath before responding to such statements. Together, we can foster a society where everyone is valued for their true worth, irrespective of their background or identity.