Ever found yourself dealing with colleagues whose habits and behaviors drive you up the wall? Maybe it's the persistent latecomer who disrupts your meetings, the chronic complainer, or the one who just can't stop talking loudly during important discussions. Annoying, right? But here's what is important for you to pay attention to – ignoring these irritating behaviors can have a significant impact on your leadership and well-being.
Why is it crucial to address these annoyances? Well, picture this: those minor irritations, if left unaddressed, can slowly transform into major distractions. They can breed resentment and anger, leading to strained personal and team relationships, and ultimately affecting your productivity. The time to tackle this issue head-on is now, and in this issue of The Hot Seat Coaching Newsletter, I have some insights to help you do just that.
Who’s in the Hot Seat?
Coaching Client
Meet Margo, the VP of Marketing at a cutting-edge entertainment company.
The Challenge
Margo's challenge was dealing with a colleague who had a habit of constantly interrupting during team meetings. This behavior not only hindered the flow of discussions but also left Margo feeling disrespected and frustrated.
In her role, Margo often led high-stakes meetings where important decisions were made. However, her colleague's habit of cutting her off mid-sentence made it challenging for her to maintain control and keep everyone on track. It also hindered the team's ability to make well-informed decisions. Margo knew she needed to address this issue to maintain her leadership and ensure the team's success.
The Solutions
Let's dive into the strategies Margo employed to effectively deal with her irritating colleague:
1. Avoid Gossip: Margo realized the importance of keeping her frustrations in check. Rather than venting to other coworkers about her irritating colleague, she refrained from gossiping. This prevented the spread of negativity within the team and maintained a more positive work environment. By taking the high road, Margo not only avoided damaging her reputation but also set an example of professionalism for her team.1. Avoid Gossip: Margo realized the importance of keeping her frustrations in check. Rather than venting to other coworkers about her irritating colleague, she refrained from gossiping. This prevented the spread of negativity within the team and maintained a more positive work environment. By taking the high road, Margo not only avoided damaging her reputation but also set an example of professionalism for her team.
2. Assess the Impact: Margo understood that her perception of irritation might differ from others', so she took a step back. She objectively evaluated how her colleague's behavior affected her and the team. This reflective pausing helped her determine that the interruptions were indeed disruptive, and she wasn't alone in feeling that way. Recognizing the issue's severity enabled her to proceed with confidence.
3. Keep Your Emotions Under Control: When it came time to address the issue, Margo knew that maintaining her composure was key. She approached her colleague tactfully, focusing on the behavior rather than making it personal. By expressing her feelings and needs without attacking her coworker, she ensured the conversation remained work-focused. This approach reduced defensiveness and allowed for a more constructive discussion.
Margo provided this feedback to her colleague: "Kimberli, I value your input during our meetings, but I'd appreciate it if you could let me and others finish speaking before responding. It would help us stay on track and maintain a more productive flow."
And the results? Margo's efforts paid off. Her colleague, once unaware of the impact of her behavior, started to make a conscious effort to listen actively and allow others to speak. This led to smoother meetings and improved team dynamics.
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About Founder & Executive Coach Phyllis Reagin
Introducing Phyllis, your go-to expert in leadership development and personal growth! With over two decades of experience in leadership development and a background in Psychology and Neuropsychology, Phyllis has the knowledge and skills to take your leadership skills to the next level.
As the founder of At the Coach's Table, a highly regarded leadership and team-building company, Phyllis has coached thousands of trailblazers to success in some of the biggest names in the entertainment and media industry, including ABC, Warner Bros. Entertainment, and ViacomCBS.
Phyllis and her team provide comprehensive services, including Executive Coaching, Leadership Development consulting, and facilitating leadership and team workshops, and leadership and company off-sites. With Phyllis as your coach, you'll benefit from her leadership experience with a major entertainment studio and deep knowledge of effective leadership practices.
Whether you're looking to develop your own leadership skills or build a stronger, more effective team, Phyllis has the expertise and proven track record to help you succeed.
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