Every day we are confronted with situations that require the use of restraint, thoughtfulness, poise, and skill. This section will offer some common situations followed by some thoughts for pausing, grounding and mindfulness—plus a few reminders that will connect and support access to your own skillful language.
Negative or Hostile People
People who exhibit hostility to others are often angry or fearful. Most of the time it is usually not about you, but about things in their own lives—past or present.
Difficult Meetings
Much of our anxiety or stress for an upcoming (perceived) difficult meeting comes from our brain’s tendency to default to the worst-case scenario (threat response). Presuming positive intent of the person; having clear, mutually agreed upon outcomes; planning thoroughly and applying our best listening skills will ensure a positive result.
People Not Meeting Expectations
When hired, every person is agreeing to meet the expectations or standards of the position or the company. At some point those expectations are articulated. Expectations do what the language implies by providing the standard for behaviors, for work, for results, and even for attitudes.