Managing people does not come naturally to most individuals, and we often don’t have the opportunity to learn how to manage people before being tasked to do so. It is a common challenge where people who are technically strong in their field are promoted to leadership positions and subsequently struggle in their role as a manager of people.
Sound familiar?
Common Reasons for Discomfort When Dealing with People
There are several reasons why dealing with people might make someone feel uncomfortable:
1. Fear of Judgement or Rejection
People often worry about being judged by their colleagues, especially if they’re new to the job or trying something unfamiliar. This fear can be particularly intense if someone has experienced criticism or rejection in the past.
2. Lack of Confidence
People who lack self-confidence may feel intimidated in group situations, particularly when they’re required to assert their own opinions or ideas. This can be especially challenging for introverted individuals who tend to process information internally before sharing their thoughts.
3. Communication Difficulties
People who struggle to communicate effectively may find interacting with others in the workplace particularly challenging. This can be especially difficult if they’re expected to express complex ideas or discuss sensitive issues with colleagues or leaders. Language barriers can further complicate communication.
4. Social Anxiety
For some, the thought of interacting with others in a professional context can trigger symptoms of social anxiety, such as sweating, trembling, or panic attacks. This can make even simple interactions—like answering the phone or attending meetings—extremely difficult at times.
5. Personal Differences
Sometimes, people simply don’t get along with one another. Perhaps they have different personalities, working styles, or values that clash in some way. This can create tension and discomfort in the workplace, particularly if the two individuals need to work closely together on a project or task.
6. Personal Biases or Past Negative Experiences
Having preconceived ideas about how someone may react—or previously having an unpleasant experience with a particular person—can derail positive outcomes even under the best circumstances. We often aren’t aware of our biases, and leaving them unchecked won’t improve the situation over time.
Overcoming Discomfort and Building Positive Relationships
It is important to identify the root cause of discomfort and work on overcoming it to foster positive relationships and enhance professional development.
This can be achieved through coaching, learning about your unique strengths and traits, and discovering how you can bring those qualities to your work with more comfort and confidence—even in high-pressure situations. Once you are aware of your challenges, you can tackle them head-on by applying new ways of thinking toward your team.
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