In my mid-20s, I remember I dated this guy. He was a pretty smart one with a few years more of working experience than I did. I asked him, “What is the biggest challenge you have at work?”
He said, “Communication.” He continued, “If only people communicate, so many things can be resolved amicably.”
That was back in the early 2000s, where there was no WhatsApp & no Zoom calls.
Recently, I was asked by people how to deal with toxic colleagues or bosses. My first thought is almost always – how are they toxic in the first place? And have you spoken to them about it? Did you give them a chance to explain before we sentenced them to death with the toxic label?
We should understand first. Communicate and learn about them. Because it’s simple – nobody wakes up in the morning and decide, “Let’s be toxic today!” And you know what, some doesn’t know they are toxic in the first place even.
Communication is key. Speak to them in private. Best over lunch, I always say. Remember to keep an open mind, hold your tongue & listen.
Anyways, I always remind my team constantly, overcommunicating is better than not communicating. You guys don’t keep each other on the loop, how would other people know what is happening? And that, includes our feelings.
Bimbo
#LifeLongLessons #Communication #ExperienceisEverything
