Do you ever have problems with the people you work with? Maybe they’re little ones that you just sweep under the rug. Or maybe they’re big problems that cause tension and conflict on a daily basis. Regardless of size, if you have people problems at work, you’re not alone.
My team and I have worked with leaders and teams at more than 200 organizations in 48 different industries. And even though each organization is unique, all of them had one thing in common: people problems.
Because if people work together, there are going to be problems. People disagree. They have different styles. People are uncertain of priorities or expectations. They blow off the handle or just shut down during meetings. People get frustrated and don’t know what to say. They feel stuck and don’t know what to do.
Can you relate? I’m guessing you could add to this list.
PEOPLE PROBLEMS ARE NORMAL
Let me share something that surprises most people. People problems are completely normal! We see people problems in every industry we work in. The problem is not that people problems exist. The problem is that teams don’t talk about their people problems.
Because when you don’t talk about them, well, that’s when you get stuck. Or worse, things get toxic, and then even less work gets done. Because instead of focusing on your job, you’re dealing with these problems with your co-workers.
You know how to do your job. It’s what you do best. But how often do you get stuck in the maze of people problems that get in the way of doing what you do best? Those hurdles that prevent you from doing your job.
Imagine how much time you could save if you didn’t have to think about all of the conflicts bubbling up on your team. Imagine what might be possible for you and your team if you could focus on your work and your mission, instead of all of the people problems that get in the way. And imagine what it might be like if, at the end of your work day, you weren’t ruminating on all your people problems.
ENGAGE YOUR CORE
So are you wondering what you can do about your people problems? It always comes back to engaging your core. That’s where your choices and control live. Your core is your source of power.
- PAUSE. Take a moment to notice and acknowledge when people problems are present (instead of ignoring them and hoping they will just go away or get better on their own).
- THINK. Ask some thoughtful questions. What exactly is getting in the way here? What choices are available to you? What can you and your team control in the situation?
- ACT. Once you decide on the course of action, do it! Have the tough conversation. Name the elephant in the room. It might be messy and uncomfortable at first, but it will be worth it.
WE CAN HELP
The great news is, when you deal with your people problems, you can get back to what you do best. And if the idea of dealing with people problems seems overwhelming or beyond repair, we can help.
Solving people problems is what WE do best!
P.S. On Thursday, I’ll be talking about the three most common people problems we see organizations are facing during the pandemic and how they are dealing with them. Join me on Facebook for Thoughtfully Fit Thursday at 9:30 am.
