There are a few phrases in the English language that really rub me the wrong way: "it is what it is," "I don't mean to be rude but," "no offense," "I know what it's like to be on crutches," and "don't take it personally."
I put a great deal of thought into things. I rarely do things on a whim, especially in my professional world. So, when I am, let's say in a meeting, and the person leading the meeting asks for ideas and opinions and I share mine, it is because I have knowledge on the subject or have put a lot of thought into my idea. Today, in our meeting we were asked asked for our ideas, thoughts, and suggestions. When I shared mine, the person leading the meeting completely disregarded my statement. It was so obvious that several of my co-workers noticed it and commented on it to me. So, not being one who can let that type of stuff slide, I spoke to my friend about how that made me feel, I was seeking her opinion on the situation. Her response, don't take it personally. I walked away from her feeling even more aggravated than I did leaving the meeting. It is these moments in life that really make me reflect. Could I have phrased what I was trying to get across differently? Am I really making more of a situation than I need too? Was what I saying as relevant as I thought it was? I try to see what I can do differently the next time so that I am not in this situation again. On this particular day, I do feel that the person leading the meeting had a lot on her plate and that she was trying to cover more material than the time allotted. However, I still feel that if our input is sought the person seeking the information needs to be open and responsive to all who have the courage to offer a suggestion in front of the entire staff.
Today's lesson, it is okay to take things personally as long as you are reflecting on it and trying to work for a different outcome the next time. Additionally, it is okay to, politely and professionally, let the person who upset you know that what they did or how they said something made you feel upset. If they are not told they will not have the opportunity to reflect and grow. In the future I will make sure to address the situation with the person who upset me.
We are all entitled to our own feelings. However, we should not play the victim (even when you feel victimized.) It is important to take a step back and look at the big picture. Only then can we grow as human beings and only then can we empower ourselves to make the changes necessary to move forward in a positive manner.
I put a great deal of thought into things. I rarely do things on a whim, especially in my professional world. So, when I am, let's say in a meeting, and the person leading the meeting asks for ideas and opinions and I share mine, it is because I have knowledge on the subject or have put a lot of thought into my idea. Today, in our meeting we were asked asked for our ideas, thoughts, and suggestions. When I shared mine, the person leading the meeting completely disregarded my statement. It was so obvious that several of my co-workers noticed it and commented on it to me. So, not being one who can let that type of stuff slide, I spoke to my friend about how that made me feel, I was seeking her opinion on the situation. Her response, don't take it personally. I walked away from her feeling even more aggravated than I did leaving the meeting. It is these moments in life that really make me reflect. Could I have phrased what I was trying to get across differently? Am I really making more of a situation than I need too? Was what I saying as relevant as I thought it was? I try to see what I can do differently the next time so that I am not in this situation again. On this particular day, I do feel that the person leading the meeting had a lot on her plate and that she was trying to cover more material than the time allotted. However, I still feel that if our input is sought the person seeking the information needs to be open and responsive to all who have the courage to offer a suggestion in front of the entire staff.
Today's lesson, it is okay to take things personally as long as you are reflecting on it and trying to work for a different outcome the next time. Additionally, it is okay to, politely and professionally, let the person who upset you know that what they did or how they said something made you feel upset. If they are not told they will not have the opportunity to reflect and grow. In the future I will make sure to address the situation with the person who upset me.
We are all entitled to our own feelings. However, we should not play the victim (even when you feel victimized.) It is important to take a step back and look at the big picture. Only then can we grow as human beings and only then can we empower ourselves to make the changes necessary to move forward in a positive manner.