Business Insights

How to mark your territory

Input from businesswoman Astrid Winkeler at a women`s networking event at the Outlet City Metzingen

19 October 2024

by Nadine Wilmanns

Last week, I attended a women’s networking event hosted by Outlet City Metzingen. In terms of content, there was an interesting contribution from businesswoman Astrid Winkeler with practical advice on not being dominated at work—which is especially important for women who are surrounded by men at work. It’s so interesting what goes on at the nonverbal level of body language and gestures to mark and defend one’s territory.

So here are three things to do when dealing with colleagues who have a bit of an inflated ego:

1. Mirror the prensence of the other person

If someone not only shakes your hand but also touches your arm with the other hand, make sure you do the same. In general, respond with the same physical presence as the other person and don’t shrink back.

2. Take space

Mark your territory by taking physical space: for example, at a meeting, spread out your laptop, notebook, phone and stuff on the table in front of you to mark your space.

3. Don`t make the coffee

If you feel intimidated, don’t be the one serving coffee: if someone needs to make coffee or pour water, don`t you be the one but wait for someone else to do it. If you have both status and a position where you are respected and are the host, you may serve coffee.

How do you see yourself acting in these three scenarios? It might be interesting for you to observe yourself and others.