Week 4 of Project Me and I’m slowly integrating these proposed changes into my daily grind.  However, the one I’m struggling with the most is reading the news on a regular basis.  On the days I take the TTC down to the office it’s easy for me to pick up the Metro and get caught up with the rest of the world, but other than that… it’s not working so well. :| As for budget me green… let’s just say I’m tracking my expenses but it’s looking a lot more red than green! ha ha

Today at work, my Director gave me advice about how successful business women make it to the top, referencing an article she had read over the weekend. Two things stuck in my head:  Successful business women keep it short and to the point (or in other words, talk like men) and secondly, they do not take things personally and get emotional about it.  As a result, this inspired me to think about how I deal with situations at work and reflect upon my style of communication and management of stress and conflict.  Here goes!

Point # 1 – Straight to the point.

In all aspects of my life I’m pretty good with being honest, open and to the point.  I say things as they come and I filter accordingly, depending on who I am speaking with, how well I know you, and whether or not the recipient is used to my communication style.  Of course there are exceptions of when this is not true, for example, a) talking in circles because I am nervous and can’t for the life of me wrap it out and/or b) I just met you and I’m not going to go right into it.  Some refer to this as “the fluff” … i.e. “Hope things are well/weekend was good/etc.”, but I do believe that (at least from me) it comes from a genuine place and that it’s respectful to ask someone how they are doing.

With that being said, there are two things that I could use some work on: confrontation and feedback. Sometimes in the workplace you may have experienced blame or pointing fingers.  The best thing you can do is stay positive and then take the  CYA = Cover Your A$$ approach (an acronym my coworker had used which I had no idea about until today) by always making it a habit to save emails that you think may be important later.

The other part that I’m working on is feedback, both upwards and with peers.  I take feedback very well but giving negative feedback is another story because you need to be constructive and choose the words you use carefully. With practice comes a developed skill, so who wants some feedback?! lol

Point #2 – Control those emotions!

Not surprisingly, I’m better at this at work than I am in my personal life.  When it comes down to a professional setting, I have learned the art of controlling my emotions over the years, whether it be anger, stress, and/or disappointment.  It’s hard not to let your emotions rip when someone has a bad day and decides you’re their target for the day or when you make a mistake and get called out on it… BUT sometimes you have to just suck it up.  My best advice thus far is to stay positive in all situations and find a solution rather than focus on the problem.  It’s not worth b!tching about it for more than 5 minutes.  Instead get yourself in a get sh!t done mode and take care of the problem right away – you’ll be surprised at the people you impress when you’re able to make problems disappear.

Of course, I haven’t mastered this skill yet but it’s something that I will continue to do and improve on.  Most of the time my emotions are happy anyways, and the only disadvantage of that is being too social and not getting any work done! :P ha ha (just kidding…)

Happy March!
-C