Protect your peace
Last week was a whirlwind for me for I had uncommon moments as the “uncommon coach.”
As a manager, a learning leader, an adjunct professor, a published author, a consultant, and a coach we all have our days and need a little encouragement too!
I had an opportunity to firsthand listen to someone degrade my work via a video conference call.
Did I defend my work?
No, because I learned that leadership is not about defending your work, it is about practicing mindfulness and knowing that silence speaks volumes. Silence is also a sign of a confident and humble leader. I also know that oftentimes the one that is the most critical lacks self-awareness, the capabilities, and the capacity to complete the very task in which they provided their feedback. Although it’s difficult at times. I’ve learned that constructive and destructive feedback has its own valuable pearls.
During the same day, I received unsolicited insight from other individuals that brightened my day. Little did they know what I experienced earlier.
Person 1:
“You are incubating talent. Think of all the things we’ve learned from each other that will now affect so many other people and programs.
Let’s see what we can add to Dr.CT’s resume.
Coaching-based leadership and development that led one person to lead the development of an edTech program at a leading tech company, one person leading a White House event on digital equity in education, and one person leading a national micro-learning program.”
Person 2:
“I was just in a meeting with the “” team and a few content partners, and the team specifically shouted Courtney out for her presentation at the webinar. (No one else was being shouted out and this was entirely unprovoked: that’s how thrilled they were with Courtney’s presentation.)
In particular, they called out Courtney’s efficiency in sharing the professional development, that she did so in a way that made it sound really appealing to teachers, and also that she kept the energy up throughout the presentation even when she wasn’t presenting. I can testify that Courtney (and the entire “” team) always does a wonderful job but wanted to pass on “”‘s exuberance and gratitude.
Folks, you never know the impact of words so use words to uplift and plant positive seeds.
Some people can be difficult to work with, but there are ways to handle them and protect your peace.
-Start by evaluating the situation and determining what you need in order to feel respected.
-Set boundaries for yourself and stick to them, even if it means having difficult conversations.
-Create a plan of action that includes specific steps you will take when confronted with challenging behavior.
-Use positive reinforcement when possible, but also know how to deal with negative behaviors in a way that maintains your personal peace.
Co-workers can be difficult to work with, but by following these tips, you can handle them and protect your peace.
Evaluate the situation, set boundaries for yourself, create a plan of action,
Remember that your purpose is to build up people.
#leadership #teachers #edtech #learning #mindfulness #gratitude
