Your expertise is challenged in a meeting. How will you assert your authority and regain respect?

Don't get defensive or flustered. Take a deep breath and maintain a professional demeanor. A calm and collected response will command respect and demonstrate your confidence

To assert authority and regain respect in a challenged meeting, remain composed and confident. Acknowledge the challenge respectfully, then provide evidence or examples to support your expertise. Listen actively to objections and address them calmly and logically. Invite constructive dialogue to find common ground. Demonstrate flexibility while maintaining authority in your field. Ultimately, showcase your knowledge through clear explanations and professional demeanor to regain respect.

Actively listening to the challenge can provide insights into the underlying concerns or misconceptions. I coach clients to use active listening techniques such as nodding and using phrases like "I see" or "Please go on" to show attentiveness. This approach can diffuse tension and makes the other party feel heard and respected.

Actively listen to the person questioning your expertise. Ask clarifying questions to understand their perspective and concerns. This shows you value their input and are open to different viewpoints.

Once you understand the challenge, provide clear and concise explanations to address their doubts. Use data, past successes, or industry best practices to support your points.

If relevant, you can subtly reference past projects or successes where you implemented similar strategies with positive outcomes. This reinforces your credibility and expertise.

When your expertise is challenged in a meeting, one of the most important strategies for me personally is to offer solutions. Focus on solving the problem or improving the situation rather than making excuses. This proactive approach demonstrates not only your knowledge but also your ability to apply it practically and effectively. By being constructive and solution-focused, you reinforce your personal brand as a capable and results-oriented professional, commanding respect and authority in any setting.

If there's room for improvement, acknowledge their concerns and offer to explore alternative solutions collaboratively. This demonstrates your willingness to adapt and find a win-win situation.

If there's a knowledge gap, offer to share resources or explain the reasoning behind your approach clearly and patiently. The goal is to educate, not belittle.

I tend to opt for diffusing this kind of tension with humour. Not only will it show they can’t irk you, but that you are even able to laugh it off and buy them back. Even if that means I have to state the obvious out loud and make everyone uncomfortable for a moment. For example: “did you just suggested I know as much as Homer Simpson about this topic?!”:)