Today’s story is about a friend of mine. She called yesterday asking for help because there was a situation with a co-worker that was making her very angry.
This is how the story goes…
✍? My friend is new to her department.
✍? One co-worker is ill.
✍? Everyone on the team is having to do extra work.
✍? Another co-worker asked my friend for help on an existing project.
✍? She admitted it was because the project was driving her crazy.
✍? My friend became angry thinking she was being taken advantage of.
The solution:
I helped my friend reframe the situation by…
Pausing, taking a step back, and using empathy to consider…
✍? The coworker showed vulnerability when she admitted she needed help.
✍? The coworker placed trust in my friend when she asked for help (trust to get the job done and trust that she wouldn’t be judged).
✍? Sometimes our ego gets in the way and sees a threat when there isn’t one.
✍? Also, I suggested she tell her coworker that she understands we all can find ourselves overwhelmed at work. Tell her… I am happy to help and I know you would do the same for me.
✍? Also, be clear about asking for any information that you need to successfully complete the project.
Thoughts???
