I am intimidating

[Anhuj]

I have been in my current role for 5 years. I know it well and am confident in my ability to carry out the role. I am assertive.

But... recently I've been told by a manager this sort of presentation/attitude can be intimidating to subordinate staff.

Do you think this is accurate?

Ordinarygirl, yes those all seem very familiar.

Also, didn't mean to sound a total arse by saying subordinate staff. This is how it was said to me.

I've been told that. For doing my job!

On the very rare occasion I have been intimidating, I've been called "threatening". I'm glad the message has gotten across.

How do I handle this?
Ask for specific examples in writing OP.

Me too OP
I get told im passionate and not afraid to challenge.
My boss (who is universally recognised as being a bloody good'un) actively encourages this in me and tells me that its why he hired me. He has suggested that people might say it due to my age & gender - people have told me they are shocked that im still 'only' in my late 20s because I come across as quite confident. (In reality this is an act to mask my anxiety, of which my boss is well aware)
I do ask for feedback regularly though, and have received some good pointers (and some others that are a bit Cooper Review-y , my ex boss wasnt happy unless my emails were like the ones in the comics linked further upthread)
Like id never noticed how much my arms are crossed - i do it because im self concious about my chest, but a colleague made a comment about it being intimidating so i try not to do it so much now.