When Outdated Leadership Tries to Shut You Down

It’s over.

The playbook that ran workplaces for decades is falling apart.

The one obsessed with hierarchy. With control. With the loudest voice setting the direction while everyone else stays quiet.

But remnants of it still linger.

Unfortunately, until we do away with it entirely, you’ll keep running into the overbearing & obnoxious voices, the interrupters, and the credit-takers trying to steer the ocean.

And that’s sh*t stings you.

Because here you are being the prototype of what leadership should be…getting your ideas hijacked, getting stepped on, cut off, or sidelined by people who confuse volume with value.

The Problem

The harsh truth is that you can’t always escape old leadership. It still shows up everywhere. In meetings, in decision-making, in politics, etc.

And if you’re not armed & ready to deal with it, it throws you off. It knocks you off balance.

You walk out of situations frustrated, thinking: “Why the f*ck didn’t I speak up? Why did I let them walk all over me?”

That’s exactly how that type of old-school leadership survives. It loves to feed on silence.

In fact, your very silence keeps it alive.

But no need to fret. You don’t have to be an asshole, loud or aggressive to shut it down. You just need the right tools.

How to Hold Your Ground

You can push back. In your own words. In your own style.

Without ever having to pretend to be someone you’re not.

Here’s how:

Power Move I: Name the Interruption

Don’t let people bulldoze you mid-thought or mid-sentence.

Try this: “Thanks for sharing that. I’d like to finish my point, then I’ll pass it back to you.”

It’s short. Calm. Clear. You’re not being rude or aggressive. Just a firm marker that your voice belongs in the room.

Power Move II: Reclaim the Idea

If someone hijacks your point and repackages it as theirs, you can easily pull it back.

“Yes, that builds on the idea I shared earlier about simplifying intake.”

You’re not being territorial. Or picking a fight. You’re reminding everyone where the thinking came from.

Power Move III: Demand Evidence

When someone flexes their title to push their way through, simply raise the bar.

Drop a line like: “What data are we using to back that up? Here’s what I’ve seen on the ground…”

That one line forces the focus back to facts.

It halts authority bias without calling anyone out, and it puts the spotlight where it belongs: evidence.

Diplomatic but firm as f*ck.

Bonus Power Move: Backchannel With Your Allies

This is my absolute favourite.

Sometimes the best move happens before the meeting. The-meeting-before-the-meeting.

Share your key points with your trusted colleagues in advance.

If you get cut off, they can say: “I actually agree with Alain.” or “I’d like to hear Alain finish his thought.”

Closing Thoughts

Old-school leadership is dying, but it isn’t dead yet.

You’ll still face moments where a big wig tries to dominate the room. Or the loudest voice tries to step on your toes.

And in those moments, you’ll be tempted to shrink.

DON'T!

Every time you hold your ground, you’re proving to yourself that you belong. And you prove to others that real leadership doesn’t need ego.

You’re actually modelling the future of leadership in real time.

And when the dust settles, you’ll be the one they trust to lead.

Happy Saturday,

Alain H.

Don’t just hold your ground in big meetings. Start practicing in the everyday moments. Grab my free guide, Small Talk Scripts for Smart People, and make finding your voice second nature. ​ Grab it for free!