TOW#502 — Take it personally
One thing I see very rarely, I dare say never, is people taking things personally at work (since I’m most interested in things at work), and that’s why we’re in this situation.
Yes, I know we’re all told that we shouldn’t take things at work to heart, but I think that’s also why some of us have problems at work. If nothing else, not taking things to heart at work means that you’re not at all bothered by what your managers say or point out to you. It’s a thin line between understanding and taking things personally and those times when you really should take some things personally:
- Criticism: if your colleague/s or employer criticises you every three months (I’m guessing you have employee meetings every three to six months), about one particular thing over and over, yet in spite of that you still haven’t changed that thing or, even worse, it’s getting worse, then you really should ask yourselves why you’re no longer a member of the team or why you’re not getting promoted. Yes, you should take it personally and start making some changes to make it better.
- Change: by taking things personally, you’re much closer to making personal changes, for the better of course. That’s the only way you’ll be able to process the things that are pointed out to you, to understand them as well-intentioned and to start making some changes. However, if you don’t take things personally, then believe me, you’re very close to thinking “Whatever, I don’t care, let them do what they want!”
- Distinction: over time, if you take things personally, you’ll more easily be able to differentiate between what is said for your own good, and what is the caprice of a peer or a superior. In addition, you’ll very easily be able to tell whether the things said during meetings are the result of someone talking about you or others.
- Communication: I’m sure that by taking things personally, your interest in making personal improvements will increase, but in order for that to happen you need to also improve your communication with your colleagues/employer. Simply put, you should want every comment about you to be explained better, so you can understand it better and figure out what exactly was being pointed out.
It’s up to you whether or not you’ll take the things that are said to you personally. If you want to progress and learn, then you should indeed take them personally. Of course, don’t allow those things to influence you and your emotions, and try to be objective when you hear them, rather than immediately putting on a frown and thinking “Yeah, right, as if I’m gonna listen to him/her”.
Wishing you success with the changes to come,
@kalinbabusku
“Tip of the Week” Team member
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