Month: November 2017

“The most important and most significant good quality in our human life is gratitude. It is the only quality that will help everyone solve his problems and also run the fastest.” -Sri Chinmoy, The Jewels of Happiness

Gratitude can bring more meaning and resilience to our work. 

7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude

The Neuroscience of Giving Thanks 

 

 

[Photo credit: Leif Hass, Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley]

 

Minority in your chosen profession or not, we all sometimes find ourselves in sticky situations at work. Here are some powerful retorts for your professional armamentarium from 7 Tricky Work Situations by Alicia Bassuk published in the Harvard Business Review:

Design by Sasha Retana, MD. Photo courtesy of Abacus Group.

See full article for descriptions of situations.

Situation #1: Someone takes credit for your idea.

What you should say:

“Thanks for spotlighting my point.”

 

Situation #2: You’re asked to stay late when you’re about to leave the office for a personal obligation.

What you should say:

“Excuse me, I have another commitment.”

 

Situation #3: In a pivotal situation, a trusted colleague snaps at you.

What you should say:

“This isn’t about what you do for me. It is about what you did to me.”

 

Situation #4: You have to say “no.”

What you should say:

“This is a good launching point.”

 

Situation #5: You have to give negative or awkward feedback to someone you’re close with.

What you should say:

“I’m here to be for you what someone once was for me.”

 

Situation #6: You need to push back on a decision you believe is wrong.

What you should say:

“This is my preference.”

 

Situation #7: You need to escalate a serious issue.

What you should say:

“Your response gives me cause to take this further.”