When Your Team Member Hates You + A Thank You Email That Went Viral | Listener Questions

Q&A episode answering a tough leadership question from Emer, plus Annette's takeaways from Laura Gassner-Otting.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Thank You Email Goes Viral: Cathal's email praising his daughter's teacher went around the whole school. Miss Smith said "You'd be surprised how little that happens." Why recognition matters more than we think.

Annette's Laura Takeaways: - The Four Horsemen of Success (money, title, power, prestige) and why we chase them - The Forces (Calling, Connection, Contribution, Control) - "Refuse not to be happy now" - Balance = being yourself everywhere - Do Laura's quiz

Listener Question: New Leader, Difficult Team Member

Emer started a new leadership role. Most of her team is on board. But one woman has "taken a total dislike" to her. The woman ignores everything Emer says.

Annette's advice: 1. Work as team to agree on values/behaviors (clear is kind) 2. Get to know this person - seek to understand 3. Might be anxiety, trauma, nothing to do with you 4. Build connection and safety

Cathal's advice: 1. Start with YOU - is this about YOUR need for validation? 2. Imposter syndrome from previous org? 3. Ask open questions: "How are you finding it?" "Any concerns?" 4. Discuss ways of working 5. Reality check: She might just be difficult/jealous/wanted the job 6. If intractable after doing the work, she might need to go

Key Insights:

"You'd be surprised how little that happens." - Teacher receiving thank you

"Refuse not to be happy now. Balance is being yourself in work and life." - Annette

"Let's be real. She might be a piece of work. But we try to be fair." - Cathal

Resources: Laura Gassner-Otting's quiz

Submit your career dilemma: betteratwork.net

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Hosted by Cathal Quinlan & Annette Sloan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.