This new series on “Working with Jerks” is really speaking to many of you. I have received more private emails about readers’ nightmares concerning difficult people in their personal and professional life. Let’s see if you can relate with this story. I will be asking you to share your ideas on how you would have handled the situation.
George’s Travel Nightmare
George went on a trip to Arizona with an alleged good friend of his…Jim. George came down with the flu and could not participate in the side trips. George had a high temperature and was upset that he could not partake in the activities. Here comes the DRAMA! Can you guess what Jim said to George? If you guessed that he was sensitive to George’s situation, you are wrong. Each day Jim said, “George you missed such great experiences. I can’t believe that you wasted your time sleeping instead of pushing yourself.” This trip ended a good relationship. George saw another side of Jim. He could not continue being Jim’s friend after Jim showed such insensitivity.
Joyce, What Do You Think?
I spoke to George a few times to make sure that I understood exactly what happened. I asked him if Jim was just sharing his excitement about his experience and missed his friend. George told me that Jim was been insensitive and was not concerned at all. I do realize that there are always 3 sides of every story…George’s side, Jim’s side, and the other side! If I interviewed Jim, I probably would have heard a totally different explanation. We don’t see how others see us. This is usually the largest communication breakdown. George told me that he “should have” spoken to Jim while on the trip. I suggested that he could still have that tough conversation. George does not want to continue the friendship.
I recently went on a vacation with friends and we constantly teased each other about how we don’t see ourselves as others do. Humor worked with us because we all got into the action. No one was singled out like Jim did to George. It’s your turn to share what you would have done in this situation.
What Would You Do If You Were George?
Would you …
Stay silent and not bring this up to Jim?
Become sarcastic and say something like, “You are an insensitive jerk.”Or, would you say, “I don’t want to create stress between us. I do want to clear the air. I was caught off guard when I heard the comments about how much I missed while I had the flu. Those comments didn’t help me one bit. I felt bad enough that I missed all of the excitement.”
CLICK HERE to watch a short video on my blog, “Why You Have to Run Away From Negatoids.”
I want to hear from you!
CLICK HERE to send me your thoughts on what you would have done in a similar situation. I enjoy hearing from my readers plus they get their questions answered. Let me know what topics you want me to write about concerning your own communication issues and conflict in the workplace.
Want to share or use this Article in Your Newsletter or on Your Website?
Of course! You are welcome to print this, and any other articles we send, if you use the following byline:
A recognized expert on Resolving Conflict in the Workplace, Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP is an author, accountability coach, and a Certified Speaking Professional. To book Joyce to speak at your event or company call: 800.713.1926 or email: Joyce@JoyceWeiss.com
Visit her website at ConflictInTheWorkplace.com to sign up for your own FREE video series and Communicate with Impact Weekly to Resolve Conflict in the Workplace.
Please CLICK HERE to Leave a Comment or Question
Send me any comments that you may have about this article. Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts to reduce conflict at the workplace and home. There may be someone in your life who is feeling stressed out…who could benefit from the inspiration and knowledge on improving their working condition or home life. Let them know about the “Communicate with Impact Weekly” so they can sign up for their own weekly articles.
Until next time,
This is Joyce Weiss, Communication Strategist
I help people become top level leaders who get GREAT results.
How do I do this?
I teach them to tackle the tough conversations with bullies and negative people to build employee engagement, accountability, and rock star performance…
The Result? My clients resolve their conflict and they get a better night’s sleep!
Feel free to call me (800.713.1926) concerning your own team/executive retreats, workshops, on line professional growth coaching, and keynote speeches.
Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!
See YOU Next Week.
PS Click HERE to watch a short video on my blog, “Why You Have to Run Away From Negatoids.”
Have you ever worked in an environment that seemed more like high school…with bullies, rolling eyes, gossip mongers, and mean kids? I help my clients turn their toxic environment around and help them feel comfortable during tough conversations. This post describes an email that I received from one of my loyal readers after he read several of the past posts on working with a jerk. I did not make this up! Names were changed to protect the innocent. 🙂
