Navigating workplace relationships can be complicated. But the good news is that you can improve these relationships by changing your own behavior and communication style.
When Relationships Are Strained, Change Your Approach
Things can get messy when dealing with employees / direct reports. If you find yourself stuck, the key to moving forward lies in effective communication.
You can’t change others, but you can change yourself. A saying inspired by the Serenity Prayer sums it up: “Grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the person I can, and the wisdom to know it’s me.”
What Can You Do?
Start by shifting your mindset in conversations. Instead of getting frustrated, become curious.
Here’s an example that shows how adopting a curious mindset can open up communication between a manager and an employee:
Manager: “I see we’re not progressing as we should. Let’s talk about how to improve.”
Employee: “Just relax, okay? It’s fine.”
Manager: “I want to understand what can make it better for you.”
Employee: “Stop micromanaging me. I can handle it.”
Manager: “Oh. How does my involvement feel like micromanagement to you?”
Employee: “You always swoop in before I finish anything.”
Manager: “Got it. So, maybe what I intend as oversight feels to you more like interference?”
Employee: “It does.”
Manager: “What if we try this: I’ll review your work once it’s complete, give feedback, and then you can adjust?”
Employee: “That works. Just trust me to do my part.”
Manager: “Deal.”
The manager’s new approach opens the door for better communication and improves the relationship.
Skills Managers Can Cultivate
To have more productive conversations, work on developing these traits:
- Willingness to Learn: Accept that past decisions might not have been beneficial.
- Willingness to Change: Be open to employee feedback.
- True Curiosity: Focus on understanding, not judging.
- True Confidence: Believe in your own worth without needing constant affirmation and agreement.
Bottom line, changing how you communicate can change the dynamic of your workplace relationships. Exercises like the one above can help you develop better communication skills and improve as a leader.
If this resonates with you, let’s take the next step. Contact me for a complimentary exploration call.
