4 Tips for Dealing with Toxic Personalities

Speak up. If you wait and try to ride it out in silence, their nasty comments might fester inside of you. That’s added stress you don’t need. If you let them push your buttons too often, you might blurt out a snippy frustration yourself. Then you become the bad guy/girl. Either way you’re only hurting yourself. Call them on it as soon as you can. “Jane (or Fred), you’re probably not aware of what you said in that last meeting, but it didn’t sound like (or feel like) my ideas were valued or respected. This has happened more than once. Look, we have to work together, so I’d like to try to have a better working relationship with you…”

Be first to offer a compromise. “Let’s take a different approach to our communication. Is there anything I can do differently to support you more? (Be patient. Stay open. Share what you need/want.) Next time I’d like to ask you to be more aware of (words go here).”

End with a question. (avoid Y/N questions – that lets them escape too easily) “What are your thoughts? How do you think could we work together better?”

Expect the unexpected. Don’t be alarmed if they play the ‘What do you mean?’ card. “I wasn’t aware we were having a problem.” If they take this route, shut them down as tactfully as you can. “Jane/Fred, this has got to change. You’re more professional that this.”

Good luck. Changes won’t happen overnight. Until then, let’s hope the grumpy guys and girls call in sick tomorrow.

- Chris M

Tips for Breaking a Belief

Examine the root.  The foundation for self-limiting beliefs is insecurity.  Not good enough, loveable enough, deserving enough.  Ask yourself, what is the fear driving your belief?  If you are not certain, paint the worst case scenario and ask yourself “then what”
until you have landed at the bottom.  This line of questioning will uncover the fear that is at the root of your belief.

Give yourself a different experience.  Once you have awareness of the fear, break the belief by taking action.  Challenge your belief by doing the opposite.  Get support from those that love you.  Build a practice of affirmations and post them where you can see them every day.

Do it more than once.  It is important to build a reserve of experience to reshape your belief.  It takes time to rewire your brain and change a habit.  This requires awareness, practice, and support.  Breaking a belief is hard work, but it will change your life.

• Got me to show up and reminds me I am doing the right thing…and do it more.
• It gives me a platform to focus my intentions. Clarity of my goals.
• PC started me on a journey of learning to be true to myself.
• It taught me – ask for the moon and you will reach it!
• PC made me brave.
• Empowered me to prioritize myself
• PC has connected me with a wonderful network.
• Pretty much what it promised…it empowered me.
• PC inspired me to follow my passion and move to a great new role.
• I come to ‘clean out’ old habits or limited ways of seeing myself.

Thanks for being part of such a loving and supportive Community. To connect and be ourselves is one of the greatest gifts we can give or receive.

Throughout the day I had been thinking about what I was thankful for…besides my health, family & friends. It’s been 10 years since the very first Power Camp (Oct 2002). I am grateful how Power Camp continues to touch so many lives. I didn’t realize until late in the evening, but WOW – three women from that first PC were at the party. Thank you Karen, Tanya, and Beth for 10 years of your participation and support!!

The party was a lot of fun!  Great wine, delicious food, and heartfelt connections and conversations. Marsha and Joe, you are such gracious hosts. Thank you. Your home on the hill is so warm and inviting.

To our entire Power Camp Community, and to those who haven’t been able to attend yet, we wish you a wonderful holiday season.

2012, here we come…

Context is everything. Our environment contributes greatly to our sense of well-being. Be aware of your environment and surround yourself with people, places, and things that fulfill you at your core.

Consider the source. Media makes big bucks promoting sensationally bad news and we are inundated by messages. Take a break – turn off, power down and unplug.

Create a gratitude log. Actively show your appreciation. Volunteer and share your gifts. Gratitude restores our balance.

When I coach people to be onstage, I often say that fear and excitement are related, two siblings or even cousins. I talk about how the two emotions are closely related, but recently I completed my first triathlon and experienced a HUGE dose of fear. I wasn’t afraid of the cycling or running portion, but swimming in the ocean? That really scared me .

It’s very different from the comfort of a swimming pool. Sometimes it’s hard to kick fear into the excitement category. I tried to tackle it head on. I did whatever it took to convince myself I could do it. Fake it til you make it.

In the future, I’ll be VERY careful when I encourage clients to convert their fear into excitement. Yes, I still do believe that they are related, and it is possible to move toward feeling excited versus fearful, but after being scared to death off the pier in Capitola, CA for my 1st Mermaid Triathlon this past Sept, I have a whole new respect for FEAR.

The truth is I think we can learn to co-exist with our fear. Experience it. Face it head on. Respect it. But don’t let it prevent us from moving forward. For me it was only after going through the fearful experience several times that it became easier. So, whatever scares you, I suggest you attempt it more than once before giving up or caving in. Let your courage kick in and stand beside the doubt.

I’m curious what other people’s experience with facing FEAR is like. Care to share?

Touch it once. Decide where it belongs and put it there. If it is junk mail – recycle it. If it is a meaningful email then move it to a folder.

If you haven’t used it in six months – pass it on. If you haven’t worn it or used it then pass it on to someone who will.

Considering outsourcing. If the job seems too big, find a good friend or a professional to help get it done.

For professional resources CLICK HERE.

Take BEFORE and AFTER pictures and share your success with us!

Communicating virtually has unique challenges.  How can you make a lasting impression and grow your career?  What is the best way to insert yourself into the conversation and get your point across?  How can you best inspire and motivate a virtual team?

Learn proven techniques for Maximizing Your Virtual Presence.

Create change and join us at Power Camp.

• Strategize your career
• Maximize your virtual presence
• Promote your accomplishments
• Appear or sound more confident
• Improve your ability to influence others

We’re committed to helping you achieve your goals.  You’ll walk away with new skills in your professional toolbox. Plus, we’re always excited to help you expand your network.

Sign up today and bring a co-worker!