Getting (Un)Stuck on the Workplace

Here is a common complaint, "He/she just doesn't get me.   They don't understand what I'm trying to do."

But do you "get" him or her?

This is how people get stuck in the workplace (and in life).    One personality or leadership style just does not mesh with another.    Unfortunately, we tend to regard altering our approach, to try to understand the other individual, as a personal subtraction.

We should look at it as addition.

Each and every time you are able to reach out beyond what you are familiar with in order to connect with another individual - you've scored a personal and professional win.    You've just expanded your abilities and skill sets.

Yes - it very well may not be the way you are used to doing things.  You may be out of your comfort range.    In fact, to even to get to the place of changing how you communicate or do things in order to connect with the team. . .may require a great deal of trial and error.

At the end of the day, however, once you've established the connection - you actually have done so much more.

• You've made what could easily be a stagnant relationship actually meaningful
• You have demonstrated to the individual that you are serious about your intent because you have taken one of the most powerful actions a leader can take - you've stepped out of your comfort range
• You've acquired a skill set that will not only allow you to be successful with the individual in question, but with other individuals of similar styles

In short, by altering the way you approach the individual, you have not detracted from yourself - but instead you have significantly added to your skill set and positioned yourself as an even more valuable professional.  Instead of getting stuck, you have allowed yourself and the team to move forward.

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My book, "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available for e-readers, PCs and tablets from Amazon Kindle.