But know you can’t
Life is full of challenges and can be down-right hard sometimes. Those difficulties are often exacerbated by our own responses to negative situations. In a day-and-age where we are asked to consume affirmations for breakfast, always bring our A-game, and give 110%, what happens when you fall apart and just want to body slam someone?
This episode is about a female co-worker who walked into a job, came on like gangbusters, and refused to back-down. I did well until about 30 minutes into a badgering conversation. And then, once someone gets up my nose, I have a hard time not sounding defensive when all my regular tactics fall apart.
Listen to parts 1 & 2 of Dealing with Annoying Co-Workers with Chris Templeton of Oh, The Stories We Tell.
How do I create enough space between mad-to-bad behavior that allows me to professionally handle horrible co-workers?
Chris has some thoughts on how to create space between the stimulus (the bully) and the reaction (my annoyance) that will help me stop my day from getting highjacked by a meanie.
Ever Been to “Little Me” Land?
Chris Templeton’s model of Oh The Stories We Tell is a tool to help you identify those little conversations that run around in your head — especially when you are annoyed with a situation. Those stories that attribute (usually) negative characteristics to a situation or a person get in the way of complete and balanced understanding. They then potentally interfere with a good resolution or outcome. Chris calls that being in “Little Me” land.
Using this tool, the more I was able to separate myself from a pushy co-worker, the better I was able to deal with her. That didn’t come overnight, though.
Listen to the final discussion in Parts 3 & 4 So, Do Bossy Co-Workers Win?