Joyce Weiss

I work with organizations and individuals who want to kick conflict and chaos to the curb - Queen of Conflict Resolution and Communication Coach

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Effectively Deal with Passive-Aggressive Behavior | Video 2

Are you ready to discover how to ask strong coaching questions to those difficult people who exhibit passive-aggressive behavior?

If so, this video is for you.

I’ll share a few coaching questions that you can begin using with the person with this difficult condition.
Plus, you’ll learn action steps to take.

You’ll find the link to video 1 in the series “Effectively Deal with Passive-Aggressive Behavior” below this post.

Let’s get real: This conversation won’t be easy. I suggest that you start out easy. This may be a good time for you to bring up coaching to this person If the communication backfires.

Here are a few questions to get you started with those who exhibit passive-aggressive behavior:

  • Do you put off doing things as a way to punish others?
  • What is the truth that needs expressing?
  • What effects does this have on your life/work/relationships?

I use these questions when coaching clients who exhibit passive-aggressive behavior and seek my guidance.
I repeat you can start off using 1 question just to test the water.

Passive-Aggressive Behavior is Usually Tough to Handle on Our Own

  • It isn’t easy to change passive-aggressive behavior
  • Standing up for yourself is difficult
  • Passive-aggressive behavior is an easier way for them to deal with emotions without having to confront the source of their anger.

I hope these strategies will help you to effectively deal with passive-aggressive behavior.

I’m here if you want a private session or to help you create a successful plan and practice the skills you learned in this video.
Call me at 248.681.5831 or send me an email and we can set up a couple of sessions that will reduce your inner peace.

The video below is #1 in the series “Effectively Deal with Passive-Aggressive Behavior. 

Let’s Stay Connected

Please comment about this week’s post.  How does it resonate with you?

You can share in the comment section or send me a private email HERE.

Let’s reduce your inner stress!

I’m the Human Resource Professional’s Partner. I coach employees and managers to feel comfortable using their voice without losing their cool to feel heard and respected.

Are you {or your direct reports} ready to explore working with me as your private coach?
Call me at 248.681.5831 or send an email to discover how easy this process is.

Here’s the link that describes packages that fit anyone’s budget and schedule.

Until Next Time,

Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP, CVP
Conflict Resolution and Communication Coach
Queen of Conflict Resolution

P.S. Please share this post on your social media. As a result, other growth-minded people can reduce their high drama and inner stress. We made it easy for you. The shareable social media links are below. 

Subscribe to my youtube channel for more tips and strategies for you or your direct reports to get great results

You’ll find playlists on dealing with bullies, tough conversations, and interviews with thought-provoking Department Managers and Leaders and leaders.

Thanks for watching and remember: You get what YOU tolerate!

Be Well and Happy
and Remember, you get what you tolerate!

The video below is #1 in the series “Effectively Deal with Passive-Aggressive Behavior. 

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Communication Strategies: How to Deal with Mediocrity

Communication Strategies to use in the workplace has been the topic for the past few posts.  This week it’s all about dealing with those people who are on the edge – the low performers or slackers.

Read the first article in the series:
Communication Strategies to use with Someone who Didn’t Receive a Promotion.

Read the second article in the series:
Communication Strategies to use with People Bringing Problems to Work.

I hope that you find this article helpful with those slackers in your workplace.

Communication Strategy #1:  Make the Conversation Safe

Make the conversation safe by using I do want – I don’t want. communication strategies
Here are a few examples:

I don’t want to discount your years of service.
I do want to discuss some performance concerns.

I don’t want to discount your value.
I do want to discuss how your behavior is affecting team productivity.

This strategy will help you create a safe starting place.  You will be more direct after using the next communication strategy.

Communication Strategy #2:  Use Be Direct with Respect®

Those of you who read my blogs know this communication strategy and it’s worth repeating as a refresher.  Be direct with respect® deepens relationships and resolves issues.

I am ________________________
(Your emotional response)

When I ______________________
(Non-judgmental)

Because ______________________
(How it affects you)

I am  concerned when I see productivity issues because you were a star performer a couple months ago.

Communication Strategy #3:  Discuss What you Notice and Ask Questions

This communication strategy gives you a chance to discuss the changes that you see and how it’s impacting the team.

Here’s what I’m noticing…
This is how it’s impacting the team…
Where are you stuck?

These 3 communication strategies will give you a plan on how to talk to a mediocre person.  The next step is to discuss the ramifications if things don’t change.  Expectations need to be clear and understood.

I want to hear from you

Add a comment to my blog on how you deal with mediocrity. What stories or expressions help you get the results that you need? You will receive a response from me because I enjoy connecting with my readers! 🙂  You are always welcome to send me a private email with concerns that you are experiencing at work.

Please share this and any article that speaks to you or your company

Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts. Help us help them reduce conflict and improve leadership skills and quality of life.

 

Learn how I can leverage my 30+ years of leadership consulting and coaching experience to help your organization address conflict resolution in the workplace here.

This is Joyce Weiss
Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach

 

Have a great week.

Until next time, Remember…”You Get What You Tolerate!”

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Communication Strategies: People Bringing Problems from Home to Work

Communication strategies will be the topic for the next few posts.  You will find case scenarios taken from recent Be Direct with Respect® workshops.

The following Topics will be covered:

  • How to have a tough conversation with a direct report who brings problems from home to work
  • Starting a direct conversation about mediocrity
  • How negativity lowers morale

Read last week’s article on Communication Strategies to Use with Someone Who Brings Problems from Home to Work HERE

Have you dealt with any of the following issues?

  • A direct report who brings issues from home to work and you don’t know what to say.
  • You don’t know how to set boundaries with a stressed-out colleague.  You want to be supportive and you have deadlines to meet.

This article has 2 communication strategies to help you support a friend, colleague or direct report.

Communication Strategy #1:  Make the conversation safe

Make the conversation safe by starting it out with I do want – I don’t want. bullying in the workplace |communication strategies

Here are a few examples:

I don’t want to overstep my boundaries.
I do want to make sure that you are ok.

I don’t want to push you over the edge.
I do want to suggest getting support during this challenging time for you.

I do want you to know that I’m here for you.
I don’t want to leave this unsaid.

You will be reading about this strategy again in the next two articles.  You may be asking yourself, “Joyce why are you repeating this strategy?”  The reason – it works!  You can make your conversations safe by using this strategy.  You can also change the words around by using I don’t want at the beginning or start out with I do want.  Everyone’s comfort level is different.

Communication Strategy #2:  Use Be Direct with Respect®

Be direct with respect®

  • Allows you to be direct in a respectful way
  • Is truth with heart
  • Creates a win/win situation
  • Respects yourself and others

I am ___________________
(Your emotional response)

When I __________________
(Non-judgmental)

Because __________________
(How it affects you)

I am concerned about your state of mine when I see you withdrawn and irritated because I want the best for complainers; negativity in the workplace | improving communication |communication strategiesyou and for us to be at our best as a team.

I am concerned when I see your home issues affecting your work because it impacts your performance and the entire team.

These 2 communication strategies will give you a plan on how to approach this delicate subject with someone who may need some support while you need to set boundaries.  Find more communication strategies in the search option of this blog.

I want to hear from you

Add a comment to my blog on how you have helped a stressed-out colleague or direct report.  Let me know what other communication or conflict resolution topics you want me to write about to fit your specific needs. You will receive a response from me because I enjoy connecting with my readers!   You are always welcome to send me a private email HERE with concerns that you are experiencing at work.

Please share this and any article that speaks to you or your company

Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts. Help us help them reduce communication strategiesconflict and improve leadership skills and quality of life.

Would you like to explore how our coaching online program Communication Skills at Work could help you advance your career or address bullying? Read more on how you can become a master communicator HERE.

We can set up a FREE laser-focused 30-minute phone coaching session to see if the course is right for you.
Send me an email to set up our session HERE.

This is Joyce Weiss
Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach

Have a great week.

Until next time, Remember…”You Get What You Tolerate!”

 

 

 

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Why Conflict in The Workplace Research Matters: Part Three

If you are a senior level executive can you relate with any of the questions below?

  • How successfully does your organization resolve conflict in the workplace?
  • Do you have to deal with strong egos from colleagues or upper management?
  • Are your managers empowered to handle conflict in the workplace?
  • Is morale an issue that never seems to improve?

If so, this article (third in the series) contains strategies that may help you solve these challenges.
Don’t worry if you didn’t read the first two articles.  You will find the links towards the end.

Conflict in the Workplace for Senior Level Executives

I asked the following questions to senior level executives:conflict in the workplace

  • What areas can help improve communication and morale?
  • What are the barriers that stop your team from performing well?
  • How can senior level executives support managers and directors?

Here are some of their answers:

  • I’m not sure if we have the right team in place, yet firing is such an issue.
  • We need to train our managers, but we aren’t getting a training budget.
  • We have some big egos in upper management, and this is creating a lack of trust in certain departments.

Solutions to Reduce Conflict in the Workplace for Senior Level Executives conflict in the workplace

1.  I’m not sure if we have the right team in place, yet firing is such an issue.
Ask your managers to dig deep by asking their direct reports what positions would showcase their skills.
This could be an easy fix when employees find departments that are best suited for their needs.
Teach your managers and directors to have those tough conversations with mediocre employees to resolve conflict in the workplace.

2.  We need to train our managers, but we aren’t getting a training budget.
Ask your managers and directors to explore online training programs.
Purchase books about advanced management or technology and conduct book reviews at meetings.

3.  We have some big egos in upper management, and this creates a lack of trust in certain departments.
This comes up during many of my coaching sessions.  I always tell my clients that this is a tough one to solve at times.  It all depends on how open upper management is to constructive feedback.

Here is an example of a successful communication from a very daring client of mine, Sue.  She was upset that her ideas were discounted at a management meeting.  These are her actual words:
“I was embarrassed when I shared my ideas at the team meeting because they were strongly rejected without any explanation.  I understand that all ideas can’t be accepted by top leadership.  There is silence in many of our meetings because the team doesn’t feel listened to by leadership.”

After this strong and important comment was made, Sue was taken very seriously and she received the respect she deserved.
   

Let’s Get Real About Conflict in the Workplace

The comments above are typical of many of my clients.  All levels of an organization share their frustration and they want to resolve this conflict in the workplace.  The challenge arises when there is no trust or employees attempt to convey ideas to their leaders and nothing changes. Senior level executives need to make sure that their managers and directors communicate in a way where their direct reports feel heard.  Do a search on my blog for numerous articles on these topics.

Read the first article in the series, “Why Conflict in the Workplace Research Matters:  Part One.”

Read the second article in the series,“Why Conflict in the Workplace Research Matters:  Part Two.”

I want to hear from you

Send me an Email with your questions or comments on your frustrations and conflict in the workplace. You will receive a response from me because I enjoy connecting with my loyal readers!  🙂

Please share this and any article that speaks to you or your company.
Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts.  Help us help them reduce conflict and improve leadership skills and quality of life.

Read more articles and listen to podcasts at our Knowledge Base Page, Conflict in the Workplace, here.

This is Joyce Weiss, Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach

Until next time, Remember…“You Get What You Tolerate!”

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Why Conflict in the Workplace Research Matters: Part Two

If you are a manager or director, do you compare your conflict in the workplace with other managers or directors?
Would you like to find out what issues other managers experience?
Do you want to learn strategies how you can resolve some of your conflicts?

If so, the next two articles are for you.  They contain information I gathered from recent workshops on Resolving Conflict in the Workplace.  Let me know your specific stress so I can write about topics that fit your needs.

Read the first article in the series “Why Conflict in the Workplace Research Matters: Part One.”

Conflict in the Workplace for Managers and Directorsconflict in the workplace

I asked the following questions to managers and directors:

  • Where do you need support from senior level executives?
  • How would you rate the productivity of your meetings?
  • What do you need from upper management to help you achieve company goals?
  • What conflict in the workplace issues do you experience?

Here are some of their answers:

  • I need more staff because my team and I are all stretched to the max.  They tell us that they can’t afford to hire, but we’re all frustrated and the customers are starting to complain.
  • Star employees are leaving because we are not addressing their training issues.
  • Many of our leaders don’t know how to conduct a meeting; consequently, many meetings are a waste of time.
  • How can we reach company goals if I have to continually put out fires for my team?

Solutions to Resolve Conflict in the Workplace for Managers and Directors

  1. I need more staff because my team and I are all stretched to the max.  They tell us that they can’t afford to hire, but we’re all frustrated and the customers are starting to complain
  • Upper management needs to know about customer complaints.
  • Meet with other managers and directors.
  • Find solid evidence on how much the company is losing by not hiring qualified employees.

      2.  Star employees are leaving because we’re not addressing their training issues.

  • Ask them to find online courses that interest them if training and continuous improvement are on their list.
  • Proact and meet with star employees to discover what the company needs to keep them motivated.

   3.  Many of our leaders don’t know how to conduct a meeting and so many meetings are waste of time.conflict in the workplace

  • Amazon has are numerous books on How to Conduct Productive Meetings.
  • Purchase a few copies and conduct book reviews.
  • Each team leader will share what new strategies they learned and discuss these gems.
  • Ask employees how leaders can improve meetings.  This constructive feedback will be very helpful if it’s done with the right intent-positive feedback and not sarcasm!

4.  How can we reach company goals if I have to continually put out fires for my team?

  • Delegate to your team leaders.
  • Train them to resolve the conflict between employees or with customers.
  • This will allow you to work on company goals and free up your time to do what you need to do.

Let’s Get Real About Conflict in the Workplace

The comments above are typical of many of my clients who are managers and directors.  All levels of an organization share their frustration and they want to resolve this conflict in the workplace.  I suggest that you conduct your own research with your employees.  Take the ideas from the articles in this series as a starting point for your own issues to discuss.

I want to hear from you

Send me an Email with your questions or comments on your frustrations and conflict in the workplace. You will receive a response from me because I enjoy connecting with my loyal readers!  🙂

Please share this and any article that speaks to you or your company.  Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts.  Help us help them reduce conflict and improve leadership skills and quality of life.

Read the first article in the series “Why Conflict in the Workplace Research Matters: Part One.”

This is Joyce Weiss, Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach

Learn how I can leverage my 30+ years of communication and leadership consulting and coaching experience to help your organization address career skills here.

Until next time, Remember…”You Get What You Tolerate!”

Contact Joyce

Email: joyce@joyceweiss.com
Phone: 248-681-5831