Social anxiety in the workplace can hinder professional relationships and lead to avoidance of social interactions.
Managing social anxiety can involve challenging negative thoughts or practicing self-compassion and acceptance.
Deep dives
Understanding Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is a phenomenon that can make people feel extremely anxious and uncomfortable in social settings. It is characterized by a fear of being judged or rejected by others. Even individuals who are confident in other areas of their lives may struggle with social anxiety in situations like networking events or small talk. This anxiety can be caused by a deep fear of being seen as inadequate or flawed and can lead to avoidance and isolation.
Navigating Work with Social Anxiety
Social anxiety can manifest in various ways at work. For some people, public speaking or presentations may be particularly challenging, while others may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or impostor syndrome. Social anxiety in the workplace can also lead to avoidance of social interactions and hinder the development of professional relationships. However, individuals with social anxiety often possess positive traits such as high conscientiousness and empathy, which can contribute to high-quality work.
Approaches to Managing Social Anxiety
There are two approaches to managing social anxiety: change and acceptance. The change approach involves challenging and changing negative thoughts and beliefs associated with social anxiety. This can include specific strategies like questioning the likelihood of negative outcomes and developing coping mechanisms. The acceptance approach involves practicing self-compassion and accepting oneself as is, recognizing that anxiety does not define one's worth or abilities.
Finding Success and Overcoming Social Anxiety
Finding success with social anxiety involves understanding one's strengths and weaknesses and focusing on tasks and roles that align with one's strengths. It may also involve setting boundaries and communicating openly with colleagues and superiors about social anxiety. Building a supportive network of colleagues or seeking mentorship can provide validation, normalization, and strategic advice for navigating professional challenges related to social anxiety.
We're often told that to succeed in the workplace, you need to bring your A game, play office politics, and network nonstop. But how do you do that when you suffer from social anxiety? Host Morra Aarons-Mele speaks with Ellen Hendriksen, a clinical psychologist, and Arvind Rajan, the CEO of Cricket Health and a former executive at LinkedIn, to discuss his journey with anxiety.
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