Words of WisdomHow to Unleash Your Potential Within a Difficult Work SituationNovember 2007  As with anything in our life, there are problems and the workplace is no different. Countless hours are spent on just getting along with our coworkers, managers and customers. When one person is having a bad day then it infects everyone within a 1-mile radius. This brings me to the question, are we working on the problem or working on the solution? What would each day be like if you could redirect all that wasted time and energy into getting things done? I have three strategies for handling difficult workplace situations whether it is with your boss, coworker or customer. 1. Avoid It Avoiding unwanted behavior is the easiest thing to do; however it is not always the best solution. If left unaddressed, pent up resentment, anger and stress can cause other health problems to emerge. If you do not have to interact with the difficult person on a regular basis, then why torture yourself trying to obtain an impossible result, thereby causing frustration in the end? It’s simple enough to walk away with a smile knowing you have done yourself a favor. Focus on what they’re good at. What are their strengths? How can you build your relationship around those strengths? 2. Respond, don’t React Take back your power. When you react emotionally charged to a difficult person, then you’re giving them control over your emotional wellbeing. Instead, step back and see the situation for exactly what it is, prepare a thoughtful response and consciously be aware of your feelings. Be patient, this takes a while to be good at. Once you’ve mastered it, however, you’re prepared to keep control over yourself and the situation at hand. Ask yourself what you can do (or not do) to keep control over your emotional wellbeing. It’s better to remain neutral and watch that person try to push the same buttons they used to push. When you push against a wall you meet resistance. With this analogy in mind, give them a mirror instead of an adversary. 3. Change Their Behavior. This approach is the toughest. Why? Because you cannot change other people. What you can change is how you respond to them. This alone will change the way you both feel about each another and eventually, it won’t be an issue at all. For example, someone is very open and rude by saying your idea was stupid. Naturally, you feel offended and get angry. By reacting, you cause the situation to escalate and both of you end up in an unpleasant situation. Let’s say, however, that you respond by saying ‘what part of my idea do you feel is not going to work?’ By paraphrasing what they said, you are defusing the situation and taking your emotions out of it. If you can’t free yourself from needing them to change, in effect, it becomes more your problem than theirs. Do not take on false responsibility. The more you focus on what is the more of the same occurs. Take back your power. Remember who you are and begin to focus on what you want to take place instead of what is taking place. This will help you feel more positive about the situation and not emotionally drained. If you are experiencing difficulties in the workplace such as harassment, bullying or insensitivity, then it’s time to get your power back. You can Unleash Your Potential and the 8th Side can show you how. Give us a call to book your free consultation.   |
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