I was walking to the office this morning thinking about how nervous I am to meet with a client later in the day because I don’t know what to say (especially when they are upset or yelling at me, which shouldn’t(?) be the case today) and feel awkward moving conversation along.
Then I made the connection that that’s the exact opposite of who I am socially. I never get anxious about talking to people, even strangers, in a social setting. Do I sometimes feel too lazy to do the work? DEFINITELY. Am I sometimes completely drained by it? OF COURSE. Do I dread talking to certain people? ABSOLUTELY. But I never feel anxious about it like I do for work.
I need to bring more of my social Kim vibes to that part of my work role. I mean… I think that’s why they put me in account management? It’s way different stakes, but I need to remind myself I am someone who (generally) likes talking to people (when they aren’t taking anger about a situation I had no involvement in/control over out on me).
No related picture so here’s me in the office last week using a Starbucks gift card I got for my birthday
I recently realized that people who come to see me in my office are super nervous to meet with me (I have a sliver of power in very tiny circumstances – I do not wield this power lightly) and now when people walk in/we start a video meeting, I start by just being myself and easing them into the thing I have the small amount of power about (seriously! small! not a big deal!). I used to be nervous about these meetings, but now I am just trying to set other people at ease. We will, together, collaborate and solve problems. I am confident we can do that. So I’m happy! And they leave happier! But sometimes I have to remind myself that my feelings aren’t the only feelings in the equation.
That is such a wonderful approach to that and so amazing you do all that to put them at ease. I think people do go into meetings forgetting you want to collaborate (usually) and don’t always assume positive intent. I’ve said this several times at work this week to my coworkers that I am here to do exactly that. I don’t want to make something take longer, cost more, or be more difficult for you! I really don’t!
“I never get anxious about talking to people, even strangers, in a social setting.” GOD THAT IS THE LIIIIFE. I get anxious about everything when it comes to social interactions. I’ve gotten a little less nervous about work meetings and such, but there are still a little bit of nerves happening and I just wish it wasn’t something that bothered me. Ergh.
I thought of you when I wrote this and wished I could share some of that with you <3
I’m with Stephany here. Any interaction – other than with my nuclear family, of course – leaves me riddled with anxiety.
I hope you are leveraging your super-strength at work! 🙂