KO#12
Welcome to the 12th issue of the Knockout Your Sunday Scaries Newsletter, an every-other-week newsletter by me, Kristy Olinger, with a focus on workplace communication and self-development. I’m glad you’re here. Was this forwarded to you? Get yours: Subscribe here
Sunday, June 16th, 2024
Hi there,
There is a long-held sentiment in corporate America that the workplace is not a place for emotion and that true leaders are stoic and exhibit full control of their emotions. Because of this, in the past, I prided myself on the walls I built around my heart so that in challenging and stressful times my outward demeanor remained one of control.
Then, as a mid-level manager, I noticed that I got much more helpful information from my direct reports if I asked something like “How are you feeling about this project?” and “Is there anything about this that makes you anxious?” instead of questions like “What is the status of this project?” or “Have you identified any risks?”. This experience opened the door for me to rethink my beliefs, I started to think:
There is a place for emotions at work.
This past week was very emotional for me. My youngest daughter graduated from Elementary School, there was a funeral for my dear uncle Dave, and we adopted a 4-month old puppy. I felt pride, joy, wistfulness, grief, sorrow, anxiety, eagerness, and delight… all in a 4-day window.
When the funeral conflicted with a major work meeting that I was scheduled to travel for, I panic-dialed after business hours for advice from a colleague. I was emotional on several levels… both worried about my professional reputation and heartbroken at the thought of missing the funeral.
After discussing the dilemma for a bit, they said the words that made all the difference: 6 months from now nobody will remember that you weren’t in the room for that meeting, but you will remember if you don’t make it to that funeral. The decision became clear and obvious.
I’m so grateful to my colleague for being willing to connect on an emotional level. ❤️ Without it, I would have made a regretful decision.
The point of this story:
Don’t be afraid to really connect with co-workers.
It is one of the antidotes to your Sunday Scaries.
Hit reply and say ‘hi’ - wether you’re an OG subscriber or just stumbled across this, I would love to hear from you. What do YOU want from a newsletter like this? How can I help you banish your Sunday scaries? Let me know.
📚 What I’m reading: Supercommunicators, by Charles Duhigg
In addition to this book being about my favorite topic (communication), and by a favorite author (Duhigg also wrote the Power of Habit and Smarter Better Faster), it’s also about how to unlock the secret language of connection… which is my ‘word of the year’ for 2024 and one of the 3 areas of focus for my podcast.
I was drawn to this book and half way through, I’ve got lots of marked pages already. I sense a book summary in the future on this one!
Content Round Up - In Case You Missed It
Even if you’re following me on social media, the algorithm may or may not put my post in your feed. Here is what has launched over the last 2 weeks, in case you missed it.
Episode 152: Career Fulfillment and Success, with Erika Ayers Badan - PODCAST
We interview Erika Ayers Badan, the first CEO of Barstool Sports and author of the new book Nobody Cares About Your Career. Erika discusses how she embraces being a self described “career nerd” who loves to work, explains how things like taking risks or experiencing failures can lead to growth and success, and offers advice on navigating some of the more difficult and tricky things that come with a career – like the do’s and don'ts of socializing with coworkers or clients outside of work.
Scripts for Extending a Deadline - VIDEO
When you already have the words to use, it makes it easier to speak up when you need to. In this video I give you three scripts to use when you need a deadline extension at work.
How to Answer a Question at Work - Post
This video will help you to be more clear and concise when you answer questions at work.
You made it to the end! Congrats & thanks. ❤️ Have a great two weeks.
Stay Curious,
Kristy
P.S. My popular free journal prompts are now available in a printed journal to help you build a reflection habit that turns every situation into an opportunity for growth. Check it out
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