Learning the Art of Ignoring the Petty problems
Our day to day work and personal life is full of meticulous timelines, herculean tasks, and…petty problems and of-course people issues?
Yup, you read that right.
From passive-aggressive emails to micromanaging clients/managers, even the most seasoned project manager can find themselves bogged down by the little things.
With all these, ignoring the petty isn’t just possible, but it’s essential for your sanity and success of your engagements.
There are times even the least important things seems to be most important, which you will and must consider to avoid relationship issues.
Especially, it is not easy to ignore while there are tons of issues going on simultaneously, examples of personal and work problems may include: time management(fitting everything into a busy schedule), personal well-being (not enough sleep, managing stress and anxiety) , finances(dealing with debts, making ends meet, paying bills), technology (information overload), Communication (language gap, misunderstandings, unable to express openly), Others like traffic delays or additional costs incurred, discrimination or finding work life balance.
But how do you tackle them, we are human beings too. That’s why, I am writing this post and here’s why:
The Cost of Petty: Stats
- Stress central: A 2023 study by the American Psychological Association found that 83% of workers experience work-related stress, with tight deadlines and interpersonal conflict being top contributors. Letting petty issues fester just adds fuel to the fire.
- Productivity: A 2022 Workplace Bullying Institute report revealed that bullied employees are 52% less productive, costing organizations billions annually. Petty behavior, though less extreme, can still chip away at focus and efficiency.
- Turnover: A 2023 Gallup study found 57% of employees actively looking for new jobs, often due to toxic workplace cultures!
Strategies for Serenity
1. Triage ruthlessly: Is it a minor inconvenience or a project-derailing issue? Apply the 80/20 rule: focus on the 20% of issues that truly matter, letting the rest go.
2. Master the mindful pause: Before reacting, take a deep breath. Ask yourself: “Will this matter in a week, a month, a year?” Often, the answer is a resounding “no.”
3. Redirect, don’t react: When faced with negativity, don’t engage. Redirect the conversation back to the project goals or simply excuse yourself politely.
4. Humor is your shield: A well-placed joke can diffuse tension and remind everyone (including yourself) not to take things too seriously.
5. Empower your team: Foster a culture of open communication and trust. Encourage team members to bring you real problems, not petty squabbles.
Remember: You can’t control others, but you can control your own reactions. By choosing to ignore the petty and focus on the bigger picture, you’ll not only protect your well-being but also create a more positive and productive environment for everyone.
A bonus Tip: Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation to cultivate inner peace and resilience in the face of workplace pettiness.
Sometimes it’s easy to deal with petty problems which aren’t caused by people, but you need a different style and experience to handle it. I am not saying it’s easy but definitely with experience you will be able to remove the noise.
Data Sources:
- American Psychological Association
- Workplace Bullying Institute
- Gallup
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