Say It Skillfully® – When Someone Says You’re Dismissive & More

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. In Episode 111, Molly’s first caller, Alisha, is excited about the transition of her company to a new owner, but mindful that her team may not all share her gusto. Alisha and Molly talk about bringing her team together to be even more cohesive through the change, including helping those who are fearful due to poor past experience in acquisitions. Then Steven, honored to be an elected official in his town, is open about feedback he received: ”You come across as dismissive.” Keen to be in service to his community and to avoid “smartest one in the room syndrome,” Steven and Molly talk through what’s going on for him, and how to be authentic and productive as he starts off in this new chapter of public service (17:50). Gary then calls in very curious about the nature of communications across generations, specifically with one’s superiors and in social media, where caution seems thrown to the wind. His experience is that earlier-in-career professionals come across less constructively with bosses than they think. Molly shares examples of young people empowering themselves to overcome challenges of working through Covid. And they discuss how the boss, or parent, might handle helping younger folks consider actions resulting in a “forever” impact or consequences completely out of their control. And they have a lively chat about embracing feedback as the ultimate in teamwork (36:40)! Tune in to unpack these challenges and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week: “It’s ok to disappear until you feel like you again.” —Allison Aars