Have you ever been in an awkward situation with a client or colleague?We all have those moments where you come face to face with a client who hasn’t paid you, or a colleague who got the speaking ‘gig’ for which you felt better suited.
Those ARE awkward moments, no question about it. We have those moments personally too. But rarely, if ever, are we taught how to manage or handle them.
That’s the purpose of this article – to share with you how I handle the awkward moments – because we all have them. The key to success as an entrepreneur is to learn the techniques, internalize them and apply them in any given situation. Here is what has worked for me.
Adjust Your Attitude – and Take The High Road!
The great thing about attitude is that we have the power to adjust it as we see fit. And it’s all about attitude – isn’t it? For me, I shift my attitude and thought patterns to be positive and focus on what I want to have happen. I choose to take the high road in any of these situations and that has always served me well.
Have a Plan.
This applies, of course, in situations where you know you are stepping into ‘awkwardness’, as I call it. It’s imperative that you have a plan and work the plan. That’s what I do – I prepare what I am going to say, where I will physically stand, who will be around me, how I want the scenario to be handled. I plan it out. Now, it won’t always go totally according to plan – but chances of a successful and positive outcome are much more likely WITH a plan, than without.
Have Support!
In the situations I have encountered recently, I had positive, supportive family and friends with me. This made a huge difference when it came to handling the emotions that happen in awkward situations. I had someone to talk to in advance of the ‘situation’, someone near me during the experience and someone to de-brief with after it was all over.
Be Your Authentic Self.
Stop comparing yourself to others. Be your authentic self. That doesn’t mean it will resolve the situation or necessarily cause the other person to see things your way. And that’s ok – just do not compromise your values. This, too, shall pass and you want to be true to yourself.
Learn From The Situation.
There are always 3 sides to every situation, in my opinion. And, in life as in business, some people are going to disappoint you, they will lie to you, they will let you down –and they will go on as though nothing has happened. Yes. That’s right. And yes, it’s not fair. We can always learn from the situation – especially when it comes to reflecting on how we handled things, how we prepare, how we act, what we say, and how we come through the experience. There is always something to be learned. So, get the lesson.
Nothing is perfect when it comes to dealing with people in life and in business. You are going to run into those people who have not paid their bills, who you have severed relationships with, who are less than honest when it comes to ‘climbing the ladder of success’, so to speak. They’re out there – and they’re everywhere. You can’t go through life hiding your head in the same. Face the situation – face the person – and come out of it better than when you went into it.
You can take the high road and be proud of yourself! Because you have the power.
How have you handled awkward situations in business? Let me know your thoughts – I’d love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts
