danawillmer

Some feedback at work is hard because it is vague. Some feedback is hard because it feels personal. Comments like “you came across defensive,” “your tone was sharp,” “that was not polished,” or “you should know this by now” can land quickly. Even if the person means well, the moment can still feel uncomfortable because the feedback is not only about the work. It sounds like it is about you. That is where a lot of capable people lose their footing. They explain their intent too fast, go quiet,...

A last-minute work request can make you answer before the work is clear. Someone sends a message at 3:45. “Can you get me something on this by end of day?” The default response is often fast: “Sure, I’ll send it over.” That sounds helpful in the moment. But it can create a problem if you do not know what “something” means, when it is actually needed, or what other work has to move. The better response is not always “no.” It is not a long explanation of your workload either. The better...

Most people think they are bad at small talk. They are not. They just were never shown what to actually do in the moment. Learning how to make small talk at work is not about becoming more outgoing. It is about knowing what to say in short workplace moments so the interaction feels easier for both people. So when a casual moment opens up at work, something predictable happens. You see someone before a meeting starts, pass someone in the hallway, or sit on a call waiting for it to begin....