You Really Like Going to Work…Except For:
- The colleague who drives you crazy
- Your team who is having it’s own drama
- Cliques of like-minded people who are very different than you
If you can relate to these issues, believe me, you are NOT alone!
So, Joyce, What Can I Do When Colleagues Drive ME Crazy Because They Are Not Like Me?
It’s not an easy answer BUT we can resolve this issue. Remind yourself that we can’t put our head on the shoulders of anybody else. Realize that some people are methodical while others like spontaneity. Neither one is better than the other. They are just different behavioral styles. Talk to your team member and spin your discussion positively. Use your humor about your differences that agreeing to disagree is a great first step. Check out past posts on Different Equals Different…Different Does Not Equal Wrong.
The strategy below will backfire if your team lacks trust with each other. Send me a private email before you attempt to have this conversation at Joyce@JoyceWeiss.com
Joyce, Give Me a Strategy to Use…PLEASE!
Glad that you asked. This is an exercise that I use during my Communicate with Impact Training.
Ask the person (Let’s call him Brad) if he is willing to have a productive and honest conversation to improve communication. If Brad agrees, start asking him what you do that he appreciates. Let Brad know that you appreciate hearing his statement. It’s now your turn to do the same with Brad.
Now comes the tricky part of the strategy. Ask Brad to tell you what you do that drives him crazy. Set a ground rule that this is supposed to be a positive experience…not a boxing match! It’s important for you to either ask Brad for more clarification or thank him for his openness. Now it’s your turn to do the same. Becoming defensive is not a good thing, so make sure and stop yourself from making excuses.
What About You? It’s Your Turn! I Want To Hear From You
What successful strategy have you used to clear the air with someone at work?
CLICK HERE to send me your questions or concerns. I enjoy hearing from my readers plus they get their questions answered.
Do You Want to See How Your Communication Impacts Your Success at Work?
CLICK HERE to take the easy and fun Communicate with Impact Quiz. You will get your results immediately and learn more about setting boundaries to get control back in your life. Sound good?
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, Communication Strategist, 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.
Until next time,
This is Joyce Weiss, Communication Strategist
I teach clients 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.