But there also can be, and usually are, other issues influencing workplace behavior and how both men and women perceive it. A fair-minded woman will always take a personal inventory when this situation occurs. After all, the only person you can confidently control and influence is yourself. Step outside the situation as best you can and observe. Addressing the other issues will empower you with actionable tasks, and not leave you a victim.
Most men react strongly to an assertive and aggressive woman.
The feedback and criticism that they readily would take from another man has an extra sting coming from a woman. It should not be that way in business, but it is. Men today struggle mightily, and for the most part sincerely, with the new rules for working with women in business. Men have told me that they remain almost constantly confused about how to act and react. For men there is very little precedent for appropriate conduct and much history of old ways.