We all experience things we don’t like at work sometimes. Maybe you thought everyone was on the same page, and it turns out to be the exact opposite. Or perhaps a colleague is trying to go over your head, and you would have preferred they speak to you directly. Your frustration may come from changes in policy or a lack of communication.
When workplace irritations arise, your natural response may be to show your displeasure or snap at someone. However, this kind of response can hurt your relationships and tarnish your professional image. That’s why Kate Nasser, aka the People Skills Coach, says you should work at not showing your initial negative reaction. This is especially important for leaders, she says.
In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we discuss what Nasser has to say about the benefits of delaying an initial negative reaction. Read on to learn why professionals — especially bosses — should wait before revealing their disdain about something at work.
When You Bite Your Tongue, You …
… Empower those around you. Your colleagues and your employees will often feel more comfortable exploring, innovating and making decisions. Nasser says that, in other words, you are helping them add more value to the business.
… Guard against groupthink. Team members will typically just go along with you if they expect you to respond negatively to their ideas. By avoiding an immediate negative reaction, you allow yourself to hear the whole picture.
… Create a more positive workplace. You can improve the employee experience and give everyone space to show what they can do simply by biting your tongue sometimes. Remember that employees want to know they are valuable, Nasser says.
… Cultivate respect. Nasser says that employees respect leaders who listen and consider the big picture. They leave leaders who jump on them with an initial negative reaction.
… Build trust. It’s difficult to trust someone whose first reaction is to dismiss your idea or tell you all the ways it wouldn’t work. Relationships — business and personal — require trust.
… Serve as a good example. When you want your coworkers and employees to be more open to hearing different viewpoints and opinions, set the example yourself. This is the first step in building and maintaining great teamwork, Nasser says.
… Help expand your success. Leaders hire people for a reason. If you don’t allow yourself to hear what your team members have to say, you miss out on potentially valuable ideas.
Although it may feel challenging in the beginning, practicing the art of biting your tongue can be beneficial in the workplace. When you strive to stay open and listen instead of jumping to conclusions or showing immediate disapproval, you can encourage more collaboration and communication. You can also help establish yourself as someone who works well with others — an important trait whether or not you work in a management role.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Kate Nasser, known as the People Skills Coach, specializes in turning interaction obstacles into professional business success. She’s a speaker, trainer, coach and consultant.
