For good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate.
–Margaret Heffernan
Sources of pain. We’re talking about at work. Do you know people that complicate your ability to delivery and achieve goals? Do they deflate the energy of those they work with?
Perhaps they are:
- Disruptive
- Antagonistic
- Over committers
- Under performers
- Not reliable
- Lacking accountability
- Finger pointers
- Not accepting of differences or change
- Exhibits dictatorial behaviors
Some refer to these difficult individuals as sources of pain, and the situation/behavior that creates the difficulty must be managed (and the sooner the better).
Here are a few tips that can help:
- Evaluate whether you could have misunderstood the behavior
- Try to understand the intention behind the action
- Be respectful and factual – share your perception with the “source of pain” using facts
- Assess whether you are the only one experiencing the issue
- Don’t focus only on the negative; could it just be a bad day or is it a consistent problem?
- Don’t wait; address it immediately
Human interactions often include conflict, (simply a difference of opinion/perspective) and this can be inspiring, energizing, and thought provoking.
Just remember that it’s up to us as leaders to address any actions/behaviors that negatively impact our ability to obtain desired results.
Are there any sources of pain you need to address?
QWIKTIPS – click to read about 5 Common Leadership Mistakes