Rachel, a mid-level employee, seeks help with her dismissive boss. With guidance from Anne and Frances, Rachel unlocks her inner fierceness to confront her boss. The hosts discuss the impact of stone walling and gaslighting at work and how to improve communication skills. They also touch on challenges like undermined implementation, navigating difficult work relationships, and the power of showing up differently in the workplace.
Asserting oneself in a non-combative manner is key to confronting a dismissive boss and finding a win-win solution.
Embracing emotions and recognizing personal value empowers individuals to navigate difficult work dynamics with confidence.
Deep dives
Challenges with Workplace Dynamic
Rachel, a resource manager, discusses her struggles with stone walling and gaslighting from one of her operations leads. This behavior creates a toxic and emotionally draining environment, making Rachel feel constantly undermined and frustrated.
Empowerment through Assertiveness
Frances and Anne encourage Rachel to assert herself in a non-combative manner and find a win-win solution. They emphasize the importance of maintaining her own emotional energy and not internalizing the negative behavior of her colleague. Rachel is urged to have a conversation with her ops lead and make it clear that she is committed to working together, but also willing to leave the situation if necessary.
Personal Growth and Self-Validation
The hosts highlight the growth opportunity for Rachel to tap into her own value and worth without relying on validation from her colleague. They encourage her to embrace her emotions and view the situation as a chance to become even more effective in her role, regardless of the response of her ops lead. Rachel is reminded that she has choice and can choose to stay or leave the job, empowering her to navigate the difficult dynamics with confidence.
There are unhelpful managers, and then there are ones who make you actively question your own skills. Rachel is a mid-level employee facing one big obstacle at work: a boss who refuses to hear her thoughts. The repeated stonewalling has made Rachel question her ability to do her job, and she turns to Anne and Frances for help. Together, they help Rachel unlock her inner fierceness and give her tips that can help anyone confront a dismissive boss.
Transcripts for Fixable are available at go.ted.com/fixablescripts.