Dealing with Workplace Elitism: A Personal Journey and Strategies for Empowerment

In every corporate environment, there seems to be an “elite” group or individual revered by management. This special status, often enjoyed by high-performing teams like Sales, can lead to a culture of elitism, where certain members feel superior to others.

My Encounter with Workplace Elitism

At an IT Service Provider startup, I encountered this elitism firsthand. The “elite” here were engineers skilled in niche technology, one of whom displayed particularly arrogant behavior. His condescending attitude extended beyond his team, openly disparaging those he deemed less knowledgeable.

For strategies on combating such workplace elitism and fostering inclusivity, consider exploring resources like this insightful article from Psychology Today.

Responding to Elitism with Composure and Assertiveness

In a crucial meeting, I did not initially respond to his rude interruption and dismissal of my ideas, and my silence seemed to embolden him and make him escalate his insults. His words were not only disrespectful but deeply hurtful. However, I maintained my composure, concealing my embarrassment and anger as he repeated the insult, this time even louder. The other meeting participants shifted uncomfortably, but no one spoke up in my defense, even though I was the resident expert in the solution I was proposing. This left me shocked and hurt. Yet, I chose to respond not with anger but with calm assertiveness, focusing on finding a collaborative solution rather than escalating the conflict.

Regardless of how we are feeling, we should strive to empathize and listen. Sometimes, elitist attitudes stem from insecurity or a need for validation. Listening actively can help diffuse tensions. Although I did not respond in anger, I also did not back down. I continued to express my perspective calmly and confidently. Assertiveness allows us to stand our ground without resorting to aggression or passivity. Passivity will definitely fuel such elitists to push their bullying to the next level, as this engineer did in my case. Aggression will only serve to escalate an already bad situation. Both of which we do not want.

A more assertive approach is to ask questions that challenge their assumptions or invite them to explain their viewpoint. This can encourage critical thinking and may lead to self-reflection for some. Keep in mind that others at these meetings are watching your behavior. Model the behavior you would want to see from your team or others. So even when under attack, display empathy, inclusivity, and open-mindedness in your own actions, which may influence others positively in the long run.

If all else fails and the situation remains toxic or unproductive, consider disengaging from interactions with the elitist whenever possible to protect your own well-being.

Although I pride myself on being emotionally resilient in the workplace, I am not immune to hurt feelings; I am human. Whenever I am deeply wounded by someone’s remarks about me, I take the first opportunity when I am alone to take some deep breaths and ask myself whether what they say about me is true. 99.9% of the time, the answer is “NO.” I then remind myself of why their statements about me are not true. In this particular instance, I reminded myself that before I came to work at this company, I managed a staggering $2.2 billion in spending, which highly qualifies me to address the issue on the table at that time. This perspective shift allowed me to regain my self of self-worth and deter spiraling further downhill with my emotions.

Assertiveness is crucial in these situations, as it allows one to stand their ground respectfully and constructively. For further reading on developing assertive communication skills, check out this comprehensive guide from MindTools.

Strategic Approaches to Managing Workplace Drama

Maintain Composure: Reacting with anger to elitist behavior often exacerbates the situation. Staying composed allows you to address the issue more constructively.

Assertive Communication: Stand your ground calmly and confidently. Assertiveness helps you communicate your point without resorting to aggression.

Choose Your Battles: Sometimes, disengaging is the best response. If an interaction turns toxic, prioritize your well-being and step back.

Reframe the Narrative: When faced with belittlement, remind yourself of your accomplishments and worth. We are not defined by others’ derogatory remarks.

Conclusion: Overcoming Corporate Bullying with Professionalism

Despite the challenges, remember that kindness and professionalism can prevail in the face of adversity. Our self-worth is not determined by others’ opinions but by our own knowledge of our capabilities and achievements.

Also, read my blog post Between Perception and Reality: Understanding Workplace Dynamics, where I reflect on cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace.