Handling Workplace Frustrations

Some people don’t play fair at work. They play to win, and they weaponize perception to do it. They bait your emotions. They move the goalposts. They delegate complete chaos. They create confusion, then call it collaboration. And quitting isn’t always an option. Especially when you're rising. Here are 7 strategies to protect your power: 1. Silence is a strategy. Don’t rush to fill the space. Pauses signal self-trust. They expose games people try to play. i.e: When a peer tries to get you to defend your work in a meeting, don’t explain everything. Just say, “That’s noted,” and move on. Let their tone do the work of revealing the dynamics to others. 2. Divest your emotional labor. You’re not responsible for how other people feel about your boundaries, tone, or clarity. i.e: If your manager is in a mood or being short with you, don’t overfunction to smooth it over. Stick to the facts, keep your update short, and end the meeting on time. 3. Outshine the master carefully. Power loves proximity, so don’t disappear. Share your wins in public—but pair them with a compliment. i.e: If your director doesn’t like being outshined, say in a team update, “Thanks to [Director’s Name] for the support on this, I was able to close the contract two weeks ahead of schedule.” Tie your success to their influence while keeping your name attached to the win. 4. Speak to the pattern, not the person. Address repeat behaviors in clean, direct ways. Stick to the facts. i.e: If a colleague keeps delaying deliverables that impact you, say, “This is the third time the file has come late, and it’s caused downstream delays. I want to get ahead of this for next time.” It’s hard to argue with patterns. 5. Don’t reveal your intentions or your personal business. Say what you need, then stop talking. i.e: If you're asking for a project switch, say, “I’d like to be considered for X. I believe it’s a better use of my current strengths.” No need to mention burnout, your manager’s issues, or private goals. 6.Control access to yourself in levels. Not every colleague gets the same version of you. Boundaries are a form of emotional regulation. i.e: You don’t need to keep explaining your every idea to a critical coworker. Instead, share top-line updates in writing and save your full thinking for trusted allies or public spaces where misinterpretation is harder. 7. Exit the game entirely. Sometimes the real power move is not playing at all. This is how you protect your peace without losing your position. * If you resonate with this post, please repost it to your Linkedin page.* However, if you're a business coach, career coach etc., do not share this post or assume that tagging me in business groups, business pages or simply looking to grow your biz pages or on direct pages serves as permission. Do not post without my explicit permission*

Why the Funniest Person in the Room Might Also Be the Wisest Leader “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” — Victor Borge. A client of mine has mastered this art, not as a comedian, but as a leader. She’s learned how to use humor like a pressure valve, releasing tension before it hijacks her team’s collective amygdala. Her secret? Consistency. She doesn’t crack jokes to entertain, but she does use humor to connect. When conversations get heated, she has mastered the ability to find the right quip or self-aware comment to remind everyone that they’re on the same side. It works! Her team is more relaxed, creative, and productive because my client learned long ago that stress and tension short-circuit the brain's ability to problem solve. What’s interesting is that earlier in her career, her lightheartedness sometimes worked against her. People didn’t always take her seriously. But with experience and a little gray hair, her credibility caught up with her courage. Now, her colleagues and senior leaders see her sense of humor as one of her greatest assets: a way to lead through the storm without adding thunder. For executives looking to use humor effectively (without losing gravitas), here are five strategies: 1. Use humor to defuse, not distract. When tensions rise, a well-timed, gentle laugh can bring people back from reactivity to reflection. 2. Aim for empathy, not irony. Remember this truth: jokes ABOUT others divide, jokes WITH others unite. 3. Make yourself the punchline occasionally. Self-deprecating humor signals humility and psychological safety. 4. Match the moment. A little levity can open the door, but too much can make people question whether you’re walking through it. Read the room. 5. Keep it consistent. A steady, warm tone builds trust, especially when humor is part of your leadership DNA, not a gimmick. Leadership doesn’t always have to be heavy, serious, and stressful. In fact, the lightest leaders often carry the most weight because they help others put theirs down.

We've all been there: times when the pressure builds, and it feels like we're being stretched to our limits. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or lose confidence in the journey ahead. But tough moments can also serve as an opportunity to strengthen our resilience. Here are three essential strategies to help you keep moving forward when times get tough: ⚡ Prioritize Your Health When stress levels rise, it can be challenging to function at full capacity. Establishing habits like regular exercise and a balanced diet not only supports your physical well-being but also helps keep your energy and emotions in check, so you’re ready to face challenges head-on. ⚡Prepare for the Worst—Without Fear Imagine the absolute worst-case scenario, and think about how you would respond. This approach might sound counterintuitive, but by calmly considering solutions, you’ll develop confidence and a sense of control—two things that fear can never take away from you. ⚡Stay Connected to Trusted Friends During rough patches, it’s easy to retreat inward, but that’s when you need support the most. Reaching out to people who know you well can provide perspective, timely advice, or simply a sounding board. Even a quick conversation can be invaluable in helping you see things clearly. Building resilience isn’t about eliminating difficulties but about building the strength to keep going. By investing in these practices, you’re laying the groundwork to thrive no matter what challenges come your way.

While working for a struggling organization presents obvious challenges, it can also create unique opportunities for career advancement that stable companies rarely offer. When you find yourself in a challenging workplace, consider these approaches to protect yourself while leveraging the situation: 1. Position yourself as a problem-solver: In organizations facing significant challenges, those who can navigate chaos and deliver solutions become invaluable. Take on the problems others avoid to demonstrate your capabilities. 2. Accelerate your skill development: Struggling companies often have gaps that allow you to take on responsibilities well beyond your current level. This compressed experience can accelerate your career timeline significantly. 3. Document your crisis management experience: Keep detailed records of how you've handled difficult situations, quantifying your impact wherever possible. These stories become powerful evidence of your capabilities in future interviews. 4. Establish boundaries to prevent burnout: While seizing opportunities, also protect your wellbeing by setting clear limits on your availability and workload. Your strategic value diminishes if you burn out. 5. Build a strong external network: Maintain active connections outside your organization as both professional insurance and to gain perspective on how others handle similar challenges. The professionals who thrive in difficult environments don't just survive chaos, they strategically leverage it to develop rare and valuable skills that distinguish them throughout their careers. What unexpected career growth have you experienced during challenging work situations? Check out my newsletter for more insights here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju #executiverecruiter #eliterecruiter #jobmarket2025 #profoliosai #resume #jobstrategy #professionalcommunication #careerresilience #strategicopportunities

Imagine this: You're overwhelmed by a wave of deadlines, balancing the pressure of work duties with the stress of personal problems. Your supervisor challenges you constantly, expecting results despite the disorder. And just when you are about to deliver, the brief or priorities change. You might feel angry, nervous, and regretful. And it’s all valid! Our feelings keep us human! It's these situations that many of us go through—a story of hardship, acceptance of reality, and eventually the come-back which a lot of us define as #resilience While the definition of resilience will differ for us as per situations, challenges, and #opportunities that we go through, I feel resilience has to become an important #workplace attribute and #futureofwork needs to perfect this 'action verb' to nurture their #careergrowth Let’s do a self-check-in and see how we feel in the following scenarios. Do we feel overwhelmed, dejected, helpless, not-so-motivated, unresourceful? 1. When your manager challenges your self-esteem, but the show must go on... 2. When you are only getting to learn ‘what not to do’ and not ‘what to do’… 3. When you are unable to prioritize because difficult situations both at the work front and in personal life… 4. When you look up to someone for their work ethic and they fail you… 5. When you feel that the golden hand is getting away... If most of the answers are yes – You need to start building resilience. The key is whether you are able to express yourself or communicate effectively through these scenarios. Are you able to bounce back with equal gusto and determination to status quo? Research shows that being resilient is an important #softskill - it’s the secret sauce to not just surviving but thriving in an ever-changing corporate landscape. Resilience is not just about bouncing back; it’s about bouncing forward. Here are a few simple #growthhacks on how to build resilience: · Build strong relationships: Foster connections with colleagues and mentors who can offer support and guidance. · Develop a #growthmindset - Focus on what you can control and take proactive steps to overcome obstacles. · Practice self-Care - Prioritize your holistic well-being. Take regular breaks, practice mindfulness. · Embrace #continuouslearning - Stay curious and seek #opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge. Attend workshops, enroll in online courses, or join professional networks to stay ahead of the curve. Resilient employees bounce back from setbacks, #adapt to new challenges, and keep moving forward. Think of resilience as a muscle that grows stronger with each challenge. I envision the future of the workplace like sturdy ships (read: organizations) navigating stormy seas (read: challenges and issues) with the best crew (read: resilient employees) fighting off the pirates (read: crisis). When balance goes out the window, how do you deal with bad days? #leadershipdevelopment

I met ex-colleagues at a recent corporate event and I got asked as to how was my transition from from a mentee to a mentor/coach and from banking to healthcare ......................... My answer was "Experience has roots in Experiments - Every experiment was a building block " Many professionals feel pressure and a lack of directionless at some point of their career, typically around half way mark and the child like curiosity and willingness to try new things fizzles out A mid-career crisis can arise from various factors, including: 1️⃣ Unmet Career Ambitions: Professionals may find themselves in roles that no longer align with their passions or long-term goals, leading to frustration and a lack of motivation. 2️⃣ Burnout and Office Politics: The pressures of workplace dynamics can contribute to a sense of disillusionment. 3️⃣ Personal Life Changes: Significant life events, can shift priorities and impact career satisfaction. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial. Many professionals experience decreased enthusiasm for their roles, increased apathy, or a longing for paths not taken - I did too.... The Importance of Experience Rooted in Experimentation Experience is not merely accumulated time in a role; it is enriched through experimentation. Engaging in new projects, seeking feedback, and trying different approaches can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Here are my learnings 🍀 Learning Through Experimentation: Embracing a mindset of experimentation allowed me to step back from routine tasks and explore innovative solutions. 🍀 Overcoming Stagnation: When feeling stuck, experimenting with new skills or responsibilities helped me reinvigorate my career from time to time and explore uncharted territories. 🍀 Building Confidence: Each experiment provides an opportunity to learn from failure. I gave myself a chance to FAIL 🍀 Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone I continuously sought opportunities to move away from comfort zone Navigating a mid-career challenges, requires introspection and a willingness to embrace discomfort through experimentation. By stepping outside of my comfort zones, I not only alleviated feelings of stagnation but also unlocked new avenues for growth and fulfillment in my career. The journey has been challenging, but extremely rewarding Embrace the discomfort; it is where true growth lies. Make each experiment your #humancompass to learn and grow from. Human Compass Coaching #mindsetshift #mindset #binarythinking #careerburnout #midcareercrisis #motivation

Summer on LinkedIn was a bit quite for me as I was navigating Grief amidst Professional Success. Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. Recently, I’ve been navigating the challenging path of grief (dealing with the loss of an extended family member and personal setbacks with loved ones getting sick) while continuing to achieve professional milestones. It’s a journey that has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, balance, and leaning on your support system for health. I am sharing what worked for me during this tough time so you don't feel you are alone and can navigate through any tough situation in your life as well. ✅ Acknowledge emotions and communicate: It’s okay to feel a range of emotions. Grief is a personal experience, and it’s important to give yourself permission to feel and process these emotions. You can only control the controllable. Communicate to your team when you will be available and when you will not be. ✅ Lean on your support system: Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Sharing your feelings can provide comfort and help you feel less isolated. I did the same by being vulnerable at work and with my friends. Grateful to my manager, team, friends, and my family for the support. ✅Find meaning in your work: Sometimes, focusing on your professional goals can provide a sense of purpose and normalcy. Let your work be a source of strength and motivation. If you like to read books, read a lot. If you like to bike, do that. Whatever gives you the peace and divergence, do that. I will write a post about this piece. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay. Balancing grief and professional success are a testament to your strength and resilience. Let’s support each other in these challenging times and continue to grow, both personally and professionally. How have others supported you in your tough times? How did you navigate? #Grief #ProfessionalSuccess #Resilience #SelfCare #SupportSystem

𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐕𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰 In the professional world, success often comes with its share of setbacks and obstacles. A workplace example that brings this quote to life is the journey of a project manager handling a high-stakes assignment. Consider a project that faced unexpected delays due to supply chain disruptions. The team encountered frustrated stakeholders, budget constraints, and shifting deadlines. These challenges tested their patience and resilience. However, instead of viewing these hurdles as failures, the project manager used them as learning experiences. They refined risk management strategies, strengthened stakeholder communication, and encouraged the team to develop innovative solutions. When the project was finally delivered successfully, it was not just a win for the organization. It was a testament to the team's ability to navigate difficulties, adapt, and emerge stronger. The success felt even more rewarding because they had embraced the challenges along the way. In the workplace, growth does not come solely from achievements. It comes from learning to appreciate and navigate difficulties with the same enthusiasm as celebrating victories. Every challenge shapes us into better professionals and stronger leaders. How have workplace challenges contributed to your growth? #LessonsLearned Image Courtesy : Pexel

A candidate told me she hadn't had a proper one-on-one with her manager in eight months. No feedback. No development conversations. No visibility into where she stood. She wasn't in a toxic situation. Her manager wasn't malicious. He was just checked out — busy, distracted, and not particularly interested in developing anyone on his team. This is more common than people admit. And it quietly derails careers that should be going somewhere. Here's how to manage upward when the person above you isn't doing their job. Stop waiting for feedback that isn't coming If your manager doesn't give feedback, ask for it directly. "I'd like fifteen minutes this week to get your thoughts on how I'm tracking." Most managers will engage when asked specifically — they just won't initiate. Do this quarterly at minimum. Don't let a year pass without knowing where you stand. Create your own visibility Your manager isn't showcasing your work. So you have to. Send brief written updates after completing significant projects. Copy relevant stakeholders where appropriate. Not to go around your manager — to ensure your contributions are on record. "Completed the client migration ahead of schedule. Happy to share the summary if useful." Two sentences. Professional. Visible. Build relationships one level up Your manager's manager matters more than most people realise — especially during appraisals, restructures, and promotion decisions. Find legitimate reasons to interact. Volunteer for cross-functional projects. Contribute in meetings where senior leaders are present. You're not undermining anyone. You're making sure the right people know who you are. Find mentors outside your reporting line A checked-out manager can't develop you. Someone else can. Look internally first — a senior colleague in a different team, a leader who's shown interest in your work. Then externally — industry contacts, former managers, professional communities. One good mentor who challenges your thinking is worth more than ten performance reviews that never happen. Know when the situation is costing you too much A passive manager is manageable. A manager who actively blocks your visibility, takes credit for your work, or gives you no path to progression? That's a different problem. Track what you're learning. Track whether you're growing. If the answer is no for six months straight, the issue isn't your manager's style — it's your trajectory. Some situations are worth working around. Others are worth leaving. The reality: Your manager's job is to develop you. When they don't do it, most people just wait and hope things change. They rarely do. The candidates who advance in spite of a weak manager are the ones who take ownership of their own visibility, relationships, and growth — without needing anyone's permission to do it. Don't let someone else's checked-out attitude become the ceiling on your career. #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #Recruitment

Last week, at the St. James's Place – Asia & Middle East offsite location meeting, I had the privilege of sitting on a partner panel discussion on "The Winning Position." This conversation went beyond strategies and numbers—it was a deep dive into the mindset and motivation that drive success. For me, it was an opportunity to openly and authentically share what I do to maintain a positive mindset and stay motivated, even when the journey isn’t always easy. One of the most important realisations I shared is that life isn’t always an uphill trajectory—there are struggles, setbacks, and moments of doubt. During the discussion, I shared insights into my routine and the resilience I’ve built over time. Success isn’t just about reaching the top; it’s about how you navigate the valleys along the way. Here are a few tips that I believe are essential for leaders to stay motivated: 1. Embrace Authenticity - Be real with yourself and others. Authenticity builds trust and helps you stay grounded in your values, even during challenging times. 2. Prioritise Self-Care - Your mental and physical health is crucial to sustained success. Make time for activities that rejuvenate you—whether it's exercise, meditation, or simply unplugging. 3. Set Clear, Attainable Goals - Break down your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. Celebrating small wins along the way keeps you motivated and focused. 4. Cultivate a Growth Mindset - See every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Resilience is built through overcoming obstacles, not avoiding them. 5. Surround Yourself with Positivity - Surround yourself with friends and people who uplift and inspire you. Positive energy is contagious and can help you maintain your motivation. 6. Understand your 'Why' - Ensure this is aligned with your purpose, passion and values. Love what you do and you will never work another day! These discussions are not just about winning—they’re about understanding what it truly takes to stay resilient and motivated on the journey. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share and learn alongside such esteemed colleagues.   "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts” Winston Churchill. #growthmindset #motivation #resilience