Leaders, have you ever worked with someone who got on your nerves? You know who I’m talking about…
When you see this person, you turn and go in a different direction to avoid them. If you can’t escape them, you take a deep breath, roll your eyes, and try not to make eye contact with the individual.
We’ve all worked with someone who irritates us. In every organization, you will work with difficult people. Early in my career, I worked with an individual who really irritated me.
I was a new member of the team, and I had to work with the individual. When I assumed the position, I was told by our supervisor how great this individual was and that they were an important part of the team. So I was excited to work the individual.
Well, as you can imagine, I was disappointed when our relationship started off rocky. I remember our first meeting. I shared my ideas on how we could improve the team’s outcomes. The individual was extremely negative.
Initially, I thought the individual was having a difficult time adjusting to working with a partner. However, the behavior continued over the next several months. Every time we would meet, this individual would question every idea I presented.
After the first month, I was extremely frustrated by the individual. I remember the day I turned the table on my partner. We were in a team meeting, and I’d finished sharing a proposal. As I glanced over at my partner, I watched my partner lean forward to speak. However, before the words could come out, I gave credit for the proposal to my partner.
My action left my partner, speechless. Over the next 30 minutes, my partner didn’t say a word. When the meeting finished, I left for lunch. I didn’t want to engage in a debate with my partner.
When I returned, my partner was waiting for me. To my surprise, my partner congratulated me on a successful proposal. However, my partner also expressed their displeasure with me. I shared my frustration with the individual. Over the next couple of months, we found a way to work with each other.
As I have grown as a leader, I have expanded my toolbox of strategies to work with different types of people. The key is to follow the platinum rule, which says:
“We should treat others the way they want to be treated, not the way you want to be treated.”
Milton Bennett
Leaders, to expand your influence and achieve success, follow the platinum rule when working with others.
Are you following the platinum rule?
#YourLeadershipGuide
Kim
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Thank you for sharing your story. I remember a similar story I heard in your training form the CEO of Popeye’s.
Hi Dr. Kim,
Thanks for the reminder. I learned this concept while facilitating Frontline Leadership courses at Coca-Cola. I find the biggest hurdle is making the conscious time investment to understand how people want to be treated by observing and asking. Thanks again for the post and sharing your story.