In order to feel heard at work, influence and inspire, feel valued and create a harmonious work culture here are a few tips for success:
Start to figure out each person's needs and values, and when you are in meetings and interactions with colleagues - speak to these
Show people how you will provide value for them. Explain the benefits for them of the specific actions you wish to take ( that with your unique insight and skills you know will work)
If you see colleagues and bosses making the same mistakes, over and over again, and you have the foresight to see what this is costing them and you - speak up, explain the consequences if these actions/or inactions, long-term using facts and specifics.
When you witness others acting from their ego or impulsive child, and this is creating frustration, resentment and work stress- Try to think of a time when you to were also impulsive and let your ego get the better of you based on an unbalanced view, a lack of information, or insecurity. Visualize this version of yourself, and create that sense of compassion. Then try to send this compassion to these people that are getting under your skin. It may be also that a piece of you that needs healing is being revealed through them-be grateful for they are helping you to let go of another layer of your ego, thus, leading to a more peaceful existence. Remember, stress is harmful, resentments create stress, so it is vital you find a way to relieve this stress. Acceptance of others and yourself is a great way to return to the present moment.
If you expnerience a battle of wills it may mean that people are trying to talk over the top of each other, so no one feels heard. In order to createt a more productive environment- begin a practice of active listening, making sure you have heard everything the other person has to say fully before responding. You may just realise you actually have the same goal! you are just unaware of this due to competing for the floor! In addition, when people feel heard they are more likely to listen to you. Once everyone feels heard the defenses fall away and you can work on creatig a more productive environment. As you move forward together, the frustration leaves. As you listen to others you also get inspired, as you listen you feel more connected, this connection reduces stress and improves your health.
If you are respectful and someone still keeps dominating the conversation and reacting in negative ways-have compassion for them for their not knowing. Realize this behavior is impacting their life. Perhaps they learnt this behavior to survive. Also acknowledge this behavior possibly got them where they are today, so within that weakness is also a strength. Try to find this. When you share this with them, they may change their behavior towards you. if not practice acceptance and cultivate peace from within. know this situation to is an aspect of your warrior training. recognizing we cannot change other people or circumstances but we can choose our internal state through the thoughts we choose to cultivate. As you are peace, you become an example.
