In case you didn’t get a chance to watch my exciting interview with Noleen Sliney, a Video Confidence Mentor. Noleen inspires and encourages her clients and pushes them out of their comfort zone to try new things within their business. She interviewed me on August 13, 2022.
Here’s what Noleen Sliney wrote about the interview. I had the absolute privilege of interviewing our view own changemaker Patti Oskvarek today over on my Facebook page. This was such an interesting, inspirational and fun conversation. Patti was incredible and was very generous in sharing many of her tips and words of wisdom on how to bring balance into your life and work. She also shared some very interesting things about herself. Be sure to go and watch the interview to find out what it is as well as be inspired by Patti. We would also very much appreciate your support to boost engagement and get this seen by more people by leaving a comment under the video. Thanks in advance. Noleen Sliney
When you are a manager and supervisor, you get harsh treatment and judgment from your superiors and subordinates. The top tells you to do things your employees don’t want to do, and you are stuck in the middle and have to enforce it.
How do you stay upbeat when continually being pushed down by others?
I understand how easy it is to get sucked into negativity, drama, or a bad attitude when in a toxic work environment. Some people want to pull you into their emotional drama—rude comments about others, sarcastic undertones, and the energy vampires who want to drag everyone else down with them. But unfortunately, people don’t even realize that they have a negative attitude because it has become a habit and spills into their personal lives.
Self-reflect are you personally responsible for the drama since you are in charge of your area? If yes, how can you change it?
When working in a toxic environment, people may start to take everything personally because of the feeling of being verbally attacked, one-upping, taken advantage of, or pointing out mistakes or faults, especially if peers want to move higher in management. They will do anything to make you look bad if they feel you are a threat. As time goes on, it takes a toll on people’s emotions, values, and self-worth.
We all contribute to the workplace vibe in some way or another by how we interact and communicate our thoughts, instructions, crucial feedback, praise, and dealing with backstabbing, betrayal, and interpersonal relationships.
This situation is one of the biggest challenges people face when working with others.
However, there is hope.
What are some strategies to help you stay positive?
When your peer is causing conflict, think about the best way to handle this situation. What are their motives? Should you walk away and not engage and excuse yourself from the conversation? How will it appear if you walk away or stay and engage? Is this person setting you up to react unfavorably in front of others? If you react and respond unfavorably, is it worth the consequences? If it is an employee, you will need to engage in private after both of you have had time to self-reflect on the situation and calm down the heated emotions—Journal how you are feeling and brainstorm solutions to resolve the conflict or crisis. Keep your journal in a locked, safe place.
When there are unkind remarks about someone else, say something nice about that person. This action tends to halt the conversation.
Listen to uplifting music, recite positive affirmations and go for a walk to get clarity.
Be the person you want to be around. Focus on what you want in your life and remove the thoughts of what you don’t—set goals for how you will change your situation and put them into action. Hire a leadership and life coach to help you get where you want to be. ~ Patti