When the water cooler gathering occur much of the talk has personal agendas, unproductive results, and leaves wide open doors for misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Welcome back to Junior High, except this time having a big mouth could cost you a lot more, possibly your job.
Reason why you can’t shut up and what to do about it:
- You’re Offended: Talk only to the person that hurt you and move on, seriously no one else needs to be informed.
- You lack Confidence and struggle with Your Identity: You’ll never be a leader if this is the case. Approach close friends/family, ask their thoughts, and be prepared for some hard answers. Personal reflection to follow.
- You have Control Issues: This will come off desperate and have the opposite effect you wanted. Learn to not care about what others think of you as much.
- You lack Listening Skills: When people talk to much it can be because they don’t think the other person is hearing them, listen to their response to you.
- You’re Bored: You’re at work not a talk show; do your work. It is disrespectful and inappropriate to waste company time on personal things.
- You’re Inarticulate: Thinking before you speak is key to sharing a thought, opinion, and/or feeling. Take time and say it right the first time.
Tags: challenge, cooler, gossip, leadership, water, woman, women