What’s in a word? Does gender necessarily play a role in a meeting? What if was a different identity group member? When is the right time to speak during a meeting? Is there meeting etiquette that should be observed? Who should be heard during a meeting? Who holds what responsibilities during a meeting, who assigns those responsibilities, and whose responsibility is it to make sure those duties are being performed?

You are in a meeting with several other people. You notice that every time Janet goes to speak up, one of her male coworkers starts talking over her. During another point in the meeting, Janet actually made a good point, but no one seemed to notice. Just a couple minutes after, Bob said nearly the same thing Janet did, and all of the guys around the table started giving him kudos for the great idea. Janet just sat back, deflated. Bob, who has been known to be consistently dismissive toward women, then said to Janet, “Aren’t you taking the notes for this meeting? You ought to sit up.” Janet huffed. “Whoa!” said Bob, “somebody’s getting a little emotional in here.”

What stands out to you about this situation?

What do you feel Janet should do?

• Does Janet’s manager have any responsibility here?