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Imagine you’re in a meeting, and you have an idea to share or a point to make, but you can’t get a word in edgewise. There are three people dominating the conversation. One is the leader, Phyllis, who is suppose to be facilitating the meeting. The other two are agreeing with her so she’s giving all her attention to them. You’re frustrated and about to mentally check-out, when Phyllis turns and asks, what do you think? All the focus is on you, and now, suddenly you don’t have anything to say!
What happened? Often we find ourselves so wrapped up in what’s going wrong and how it impacts us, we start to take it personally and we lose focus on the bigger picture. We become frustrated and in essence, we do check-out.
So how can we prevent this from happening? Follow these 5 steps:
Remind yourself of the bigger picture and why you are there. Take the focus off yourself.
Pay attention to your ego and how it might be trying to protect you, when you don’t need it to. Set your ego aside.
Remember your responsibility is to remain open, and be a part of the team. Focus on how you can help the team, rather than taking it personally.
Be patient, yet assertive.
Stay positive.
Imagine how the meeting would have gone differently. As soon as you started to feel some frustration, you’d instantly use it as an awareness. You’d realize you might be taking it personally, you’d take a moment to reflect on the bigger picture and why you’re there, and you’d wait for the first opportunity to respectfully interrupt. You’d remain positive and engaged, and consequently it would add so much more value to the team, and you’d be less stressed as well!
Cheers,