Karens professional experience has resulted in difficulty forming professional relationships with peers. Everyone has different needs, priorities and styles of interaction when it comes to working together.
Though having close work relationships with peers can be advantageous, rigid boundaries can be detrimental to any relationship. Make sure your channels of communication remain open and understand the significance of maintaining your own boundaries as well.
Entitlements
Sometimes, entitlement can lead to the belief that they are owed favors from others. This can have a detrimental effect on their professional relationships with colleagues and ultimately result in conflict at work.
Entitlement is a legal term that describes the legal right to receive certain privileges or benefits, such as Social Security benefits. It also refers to federal programs which offer individuals or groups special government-provided advantages like healthcare programs and food stamps.
The term entitlement has become a powerful weapon in political rhetoric, used to refer to many government programs. For instance, in the United States, someone’s entitlement to certain government benefits includes Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, Medicare, military retirement and many others.
However, entitlement can also be used negatively; individuals may be labeled “freeloaders” or “liars” for receiving benefits without meeting eligibility requirements. Furthermore, those who depend on entitlement programs for financial support are sometimes labeled as “free riders.”
Entitlement can also have an impact on leadership behavior. A leader who operates from an entitlement mindset may struggle to set clear expectations for their employees or provide accurate feedback regarding their performance. They may use exaggerated or superlative language when discussing an employee’s achievements, leading to increased entitlement as the employee feels appreciated for a job well done.
Leaders must help their employees develop authentic leadership entitlement by holding them to a high standard, setting clear expectations, providing feedback and consistently managing performance. Doing this will teach the entitled employee to delay gratification, celebrate successes with peers and regulate emotions appropriately.
Entitlement is often linked to Emotional Intelligence (EI), a leadership competency that encompasses emotional self-management, accurate self-assessment, social awareness and stress management. A leader’s capacity to recognize and address emotional issues in others can be essential in building strong, healthy relationships with their team members.
Privileges
In any large office or organization, there may be some individuals who receive special treatment. They’re feted by their bosses and given privileges others do not enjoy. This type of favoritism can have a detrimental effect on both performance and morale; it may lead to resentment towards people within your department which in turn makes you less productive than possible.
When it comes to professional relationships, being inclusive is key. This implies taking an interest in both the work and personal lives of your coworkers, as well as showing them that you value what they contribute.
Inclusivity can make you a better worker and enable your team to reach its full potential. Small gestures like inviting someone out for lunch are an excellent way to begin building that rapport.
Communication skills are an integral factor in creating strong professional connections. A great communicator will be able to listen carefully without interrupting or getting in the way.
For instance, asking your coworkers how they’re doing and offering to assist them with projects or problems can be beneficial. If they feel uneasy asking directly, speaking to your supervisor or providing them with a heads up that you will be filling in for them will suffice.
Take the time to understand their interests and projects. By learning more about what’s going on in their lives, you can provide them with the best service possible.
Examples of how to show your coworkers you care and appreciation include sending them a handwritten note, bringing them a small gift and offering some time off if needed. While these gestures may not be as formal as phone calls or emails, they still make your coworkers feel loved and taken care of.
Disempowerment
Disempowerment can be a serious issue. For instance, it could cause difficulties forming professional connections with colleagues and family members.
Paranoia and aggression can also lead to impaired work performance, ultimately undermining your job security and creating an atmosphere of distrust with those around you.
In addition, lack of power can be a driving factor for social exclusion in workplaces. For instance, if your organization has many diverse teams but you aren’t included in leadership meetings, you may feel like an outsider and not speak up during discussions because you don’t think your opinions matter as much or are correct compared to those of your white coworkers.
Particularly those from oppressed groups may struggle with internalizing oppression; for instance, a black woman in an underrepresented position may fear raising her voice for fear of being perceived as weaker than white counterparts. This internalized oppression can shape one’s worldview and foster an oppressive attitude toward members of their group.
If you find yourself in this predicament, it is beneficial to address the problem head-on. Take a compassionate and understanding approach as your first step.
Second, you should attempt to help the other party in a conflict understand things from their point of view. For instance, offering to explain an intricate issue they are facing or simply listening without interrupting could be beneficial.
Empathy and kindness are essential in developing strong relationships with colleagues. Demonstrating respect for other’s viewpoints, along with an eagerness to assist them, will increase trust and create a mutually beneficial working environment.
It is possible for you to overcome these challenges, but it takes time and hard work. If you wish to prevent future issues from arising, seek out support and assistance from professionals who can offer advice and direction.
Powerlessness
Powerlessness is an all too familiar sensation for those working in teams. It can lead to feelings of isolation, low morale and disengagement from the task at hand.
Forming professional relationships with colleagues can be particularly challenging when you feel unable to voice important issues or worries.
According to a study conducted by New York University Stern School of Business professors Elizabeth Morrison and Kelly See, feeling powerless at work can have an adverse effect on performance. Employees who felt this lack of control were more likely to withhold information about critical problems they encounter – potentially leading to disastrous results both for their organization and themselves.
Additionally, researchers found that feeling powerless can lead to paranoia and increased aggression at work. When this occurs, workers may take out their frustration on coworkers or family members, according to the researchers.
They also discovered that employees who felt less powerful at work were more likely to develop paranoia about both their jobs and personal lives. This is an effect which can be mitigated through awareness and action.
Therefore, researchers suggest managers focus on encouraging employees to feel more secure and confident at work. They can do this by creating a safe space where employees feel comfortable opening up to their supervisors about any issues or worries they might have.
Researchers also suggest that those with less power in a team should foster an environment where everyone feels encouraged to listen and contribute their ideas. For instance, if someone is speaking very little during a meeting, try your best to listen 80% of the time.
Likewise, those in positions of greater power can be more generous with their resources and time. Doing so encourages their team members to practice selflessness as well.
