Women who command respect in male-dominated fields often rely on these 7 quiet power moves

I’ve often found myself in conference rooms where I was the only woman at the table. In those moments, I realized how crucial subtle yet powerful moves can be in earning respect. 

That doesn’t mean straining your voice to be heard or adopting an aggressive stance. Instead, it’s about building a sense of trust and authority with small but consistent actions.

Over the years, I’ve relied on intentional strategies that create a confident, grounded presence. From the outside, these can look like minor details, but they add up to significant influence in the long run. 

Below, I’ll share some of these quiet power moves that I’ve found invaluable, especially in male-dominated fields. Here are seven that have made a huge difference in my experience.

1. Setting steadfast boundaries

Women who thrive in tough environments often draw clear lines about what they will and won’t do. 

For example, in one of my early consulting gigs, I made it known that I wouldn’t tolerate dismissive language during brainstorming sessions. 

It wasn’t a big speech or a dramatic showdown. It was more like calmly saying, “I’d appreciate a constructive tone so we can really solve this problem together.” 

When a colleague tested that boundary, I repeated my request and held firm. Eventually, they learned I meant business, and our entire team dynamic improved.

The key to making boundaries work is consistency. If you let them slide once or twice, people get the impression that you didn’t really mean it. 

So try to balance assertiveness with courtesy. In a male-dominated setting, having those lines drawn helps you avoid burnout and ensures that your voice is treated seriously. 

Boundaries serve as a reminder to both yourself and others that your time, ideas, and well-being deserve respect.

2. Mastering intentional listening

I used to think that to get noticed, I had to talk a lot. But as my career progressed, I discovered the power of listening with genuine focus. 

Research has established that active listening makes us seem more competent, likable, and trustworthy. And I’ve seen that to be true in my own life as well. 

When you truly listen, you gather real insights about what others care about. That kind of listening doesn’t just build trust; it also helps you chime in at the perfect moment with something valuable. 

In my experience, people are often pleasantly surprised when I reflect their own words back to them. It shows I’m paying attention, and it sets a collaborative tone.

Also, I’ve found it useful to ask clarifying questions instead of immediately jumping in with my own opinions. If someone proposes a new project management system, I’ll ask, “What do you see as the biggest benefit of switching over?” 

This small change in approach keeps me informed and demonstrates that I’m curious rather than confrontational. 

Over time, colleagues begin to see me as someone who brings a sense of calm authority to discussions. That foundation of respect is built piece by piece, largely through intentional listening.

3. Consistently doing your homework

In male-dominated fields, competence can be questioned if you’re not prepared to back up your ideas with facts. 

One of the best ways I’ve found to sidestep any doubts is simply by knowing my stuff. 

Whenever I walk into a meeting or pitch a concept, I make sure I’ve done some serious prep. 

For instance, I’ll review relevant data or read up on the latest industry research. That legwork helps me feel confident and ensures I can substantiate my viewpoints.

There’s something very reassuring about having a stack of credible information at your fingertips. When someone challenges you with a tough question, being able to respond with specifics often silences any skepticism. 

That’s how you demonstrate that you’ve come prepared and respect everyone’s time enough to offer well-thought-out perspectives. 

The quiet power here lies in letting your knowledge do the talking without having to raise your voice.

4. Using body language that commands space

Amy Cuddy’s research on power posing has definitely been instrumental in making me aware of this – my posture affects how others perceive me. 

Early in my career, I’d find myself shrinking into the background—literally. I’d cross my arms, fold my shoulders inward, and avoid making too much eye contact. I realized that even if I had brilliant ideas, people might miss them if I seemed unsure of myself physically.

Now, I focus on maintaining an upright posture, keeping my shoulders relaxed, and making comfortable eye contact. When I speak, I try to ensure my gestures are deliberate, not frantic. 

Even something as simple as sitting up straight and looking at the person who’s talking can shift the energy in the room. It quietly signals, “I’m present, I’m engaged, and I have something to contribute.” 

There’s no need to dominate the entire conversation if your nonverbal cues already show that you’re confident in what you bring to the table.

5. Controlling your emotional reactions

In tense situations, it’s easy to let frustration or anxiety run the show. And if you’re a woman, there are some misconceptions that add extra pressure—like the outdated belief that women are too “emotional” to lead effectively. 

It’s unfair, but it’s also something many women have learned to navigate with finesse. 

Rather than reacting impulsively, those who command respect have mastered the art of pausing, breathing, and choosing their response carefully. 

They know that composure isn’t about suppressing emotions—it’s about owning them without letting them leak out in ways that undermine their authority.

I’ve watched women in high-stakes meetings get interrupted, talked over, or dismissed—only to calmly redirect the conversation and make their point with twice the impact. 

That kind of control doesn’t come from bottling things up. It comes from confidence, practice, and a deep awareness of how perception plays into power. 

By staying grounded when everyone else is losing their cool, they set the emotional tone in the room—and that’s a kind of leadership people can’t ignore.

6. Stepping up at key moments

While I wholeheartedly believe in subtlety, there are moments that call for stepping up and making your voice heard clearly. 

The trick is to recognize those moments and not let them pass by. 

For instance, during a big strategy session for one of my businesses, everyone was stuck in a loop of indecision. I felt my opinion was crucial, so I simply asked for a moment to lay out my perspective. I did it calmly but firmly. 

The result? We broke out of that cycle, and the team made a final decision based on a blend of everyone’s input.

This is where a quiet power move transforms into action. You listen, observe, and gather the room’s energy, but you also know when it’s time to speak up. 

Doing so shows that you’re not timid—just strategic about when to make your point. It’s a fine balance, and striking it effectively wins people’s respect in the long run.

7. Building genuine alliances

Forging genuine connections with colleagues can be one of the most underrated ways to establish respect. It’s easy to assume we’re competing against everyone else, especially when you’re a woman in a setting where men hold the majority of roles. 

But I’ve found that looking for shared goals or interests can open doors. Maybe a coworker is passionate about a particular social cause, or you both follow a thought leader like Brené Brown. That common ground can form a real bond.

And alliances don’t always have to be with people higher up on the ladder, either. Mentoring or collaborating with junior team members who might also feel marginalized fosters a network of mutual support. 

It’s about creating a sense of belonging that makes it harder for anyone to overlook your contributions. 

Over time, these genuine relationships become a cushion of support you can lean on. They also highlight your leadership qualities: empathy, team spirit, and the willingness to uplift others. 

All of these quietly solidify your respect and influence.

Wrapping up

My journey through various ventures and advisory roles has taught me that commanding respect isn’t about dominating a room—it’s about being purposeful in your everyday choices. 

Each of the moves I’ve outlined might seem subtle, but when woven together, they create a powerful sense of presence that’s nearly impossible to ignore.

If you take anything away, let it be that small acts—like maintaining composure under stress or simply listening with care—can have a huge impact on how others perceive your authority. 

The world needs more women who step into these roles and own them confidently, and that starts with trusting that these quiet, consistent actions will speak volumes. 

I hope these ideas inspire you to carry yourself with quiet strength and composure, no matter what challenges come your way. Go forth and let your influence shine.