In a recent LinkedIn post, Stephanie Hills, Ph.D. shares a powerful personal account and actionable strategies for dealing with workplace interruptions, framing them not just as power plays but as psychological tactics that can diminish professional presence and expertise.
Stephanie Hills, Ph.D. recounts her early experiences as a young engineering manager, where frequent interruptions led to her ideas being co-opted by peers. She vividly describes the emotional toll, stating:
“Each interruption felt like an erasure. Of my expertise. Of my authority. Of my right to speak.”
This experience, she explains, evolved from confusion and frustration to a deep-seated understanding of what she terms “intellectual appropriation” and “death by a thousand stolen sentences.” Stephanie Hills, Ph.D. emphasizes that these interruptions are more than just minor annoyances; they are significant events that can undermine an individual’s contributions and standing within a team.
The Psychological Impact of Interruptions
According to Stephanie Hills, Ph.D., workplace interruptions reveal a fundamental imbalance in communication dynamics. She highlights the underlying psychology, noting that when someone interrupts, it often signals:
- A greater concern for their own thoughts over active listening.
- A focus on speaking rather than genuine understanding.
The consequences of such behavior, as outlined by Stephanie Hills, Ph.D., include the loss of valuable ideas, the disruption of productive momentum, and the diminishment of individual voices within professional settings.
Strategic Responses to Reclaim Your Voice
Drawing inspiration from research highlighted by Harvard Business Review and popularized by figures like Mel Robbins, Stephanie Hills, Ph.D. outlines several “power moves” designed to effectively counter interruptions. These strategies are presented not as aggressive tactics, but as professional methods to ensure one’s contributions are heard and respected.
1. Maintain Composure and Continue Speaking
Stephanie Hills, Ph.D. advises against stopping when interrupted. The key, she suggests, is to remain confident and composed, framing the response as a matter of respect rather than a power struggle.
2. Employ Deliberate Speech
A crucial technique involves slowing down the pace of speech and slightly lowering the volume. Stephanie Hills, Ph.D. argues that this deliberate approach can command attention more effectively than speaking faster or louder.
3. Use Names and Set Boundaries
Directly addressing the interrupter by name and clearly stating the intention to finish a thought is another recommended tactic. Stephanie Hills, Ph.D. provides examples such as, “Mike, I’m going to finish my point,” or offering to listen to their feedback after completing your own statement.
4. Bridge Back and Acknowledge
Demonstrating emotional maturity involves acknowledging the interrupter’s attempt to contribute once you have finished your point. Stephanie Hills, Ph.D. suggests phrases like, “Mike, I know you were trying to add something earlier. I’d love to hear your thoughts now,” which can de-escalate tension and foster a more collaborative environment.
“Don’t let interruptions fragment your impact.”
Stephanie Hills, Ph.D. concludes by asserting that employing these techniques is not about being difficult, but about being professional. She reinforces the idea that individual ideas and voices deserve space and completion.
The strategies shared by Stephanie Hills, Ph.D. aim to ensure that expertise is recognized rather than recycled, meetings become more productive, and team dynamics evolve from frequent interruption to genuine interaction, ultimately strengthening an individual’s professional presence.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Stephanie Hills, Ph.D. on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 5, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →