As a black female executive or senior leader, it’s not uncommon to feel alienated or isolated from your colleagues. I often hear from my clients that they feel like they are not being kept in the know, they are being shut out of important conversations, and that they do not feel supported by their colleagues.

It can be difficult to thrive in an unsupportive work environment, and it can compound feelings of imposter syndrome and anxiety about how others are judging your leadership abilities.

However, there are steps you can take to address these feelings and create a more supportive work environment.

1) Is it Real or Imagined?

Firstly, it’s important to take a step back and look at the situation objectively. Ask yourself, are your colleagues actually shutting you out? Have you truly been left out of any important conversations? Have you tried to approach your colleagues or join a conversation, and you were shut out?

Is this sense of workplace isolation just a gut feeling, or is it verified by your colleagues’ actions? Finally, it may also be helpful to ask a third party about how they perceive the situation.

2) Speak Up

Sometimes, feeling alienated at work can be due to a lack of communication. If you’re feeling left out or ignored, don’t be afraid to speak up. Schedule a meeting with your supervisor or HR representative to discuss your concerns. Be specific about what you’re experiencing and provide examples. Together, you can brainstorm ways to address the issue and create a more inclusive work environment.

3) Build a Support Network 

One of the most important things you can do when feeling alienated at work is to build a support network. If you don’t feel like you have this support network among your colleagues, reach out to friends and mentors outside of work. Join professional organizations or affinity groups that are focused on supporting women of color in leadership roles.

It is also important to seek out allies who are willing to listen, learn, and take action to support you and other women of color in the workplace. Allies can help amplify your voice, advocate for change, and create a more inclusive work environment.

If you’re feeling alienated in the workplace as a woman of color, you’re not alone. This sense of workplace isolation may be causing you to second-guess your leadership abilities and your authority in your role. In order to combat this negative self-talk and mental spiral, it’s important to verify the actions of your colleagues, speak up for yourself, and build a strong support network.