"Poor communication skills can
condemn you to a life of mediocrity and
frustration. Good communication skills
can unlock your dreams of success."
Dr. Robert A. Tracz

Think Professionally Not Personally

I was reminded again about the importance of thinking professionally - even in personal situations. Even normally easy going, fun-loving individuals can - sooner or later - become difficult.

Thinking professionally and not personally means you need to keep your focus on the situation not the person.

What are some the most common frustrations? Being blamed for things outside your control? Being pressured to do things at the last minute? Having people that don't understand your job and don't consult with you make decisions about how you should do it. Being asked to do a job without enough information, training or experience to succeed? Being forced to work with uncooperative coworkers? Being asked to change what you're doing after you've started? Being let down by people you depend on? Being...? You fill in the blank.

Well you are not alone. Everyday thousands, maybe millions, face these same frustrations. They are unavoidable so stop wishing they wouldn't happen and start wishing you were better at dealing with them.

Think of your own most recent situation. Who did it involve? What was said? Where did it happen? When did it happen? What other factors were involved? How did you handle it? Did you handle it professionally or did you take it personally?

If you took it personally you likely felt guilty; were unable to focus on your work; hurt the relationship and team's efforts and any other number of setbacks.

If you hear yourself saying the following you are taking it personally: It's not that easy... You don't know the turkeys I work with... No one appreciates me around here... I don't get paid enough to put up with this... They don't listen to me... They never/always... I don't have to...

Reduce your stress. Gain control of the situation. Do what most people don't do in these situations - handle it professionally.

You don't have to like the person but you do have to respect the person. , Control your feelings and focus on the issues at hand.

How do you do this? First, become a fly on the wall and look at the big picture - i.e. change your perspective. Second, separate the facts from the feelings by listening and questioning - i.e. clarify. Third, rephrase your understanding of what you heard - i.e. acknowledge. Fourth, attack the problem not the person - i.e. focus on a solution not blame. Fifth, take a five-minute break and let it go - i.e. forgive the person.

Solving a problem with a person is simple but not easy.

Do what most people won't do and you'll be the one that's respected for being the professional.

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