My Crazy Office | K Squared Enterprises

My Crazy Office is a weekly workplace podcast dedicated to helping listeners navigate their careers. Executive coach Kathi Elster and career therapist Katherine Crowley combine their expertise to solve both serious and silly situations at work. Join Kathi and Katherine as they answer real workplace questions with solid advice and a side of humor. Do you have someone or something at work that’s driving your crazy? Send your questions to info@mycrazyoffice.co. (All submissions kept confidential.)

Cool anger works better than hot

July 9, 2013

Ever notice how irritating other people’s behavior can be in the heat of summer? When someone jumps in front of you in a line or pushes you into an elevator, or cuts you off in traffic, it can be very tempting to blow a fuse.

Similarly, when someone acts in a rude, obnoxious or inconsiderate manner at work, you may want to strike back by yelling, chiding or otherwise telling them off.

While a quick blow up may release steam in the moment, losing your cool at work is generally not recommended. You don’t want to risk looking volatile or unprofessional or out of control.

The next time someone really ticks you off, try to hit the pause button. Take a mental time out, and then find a way to release the anger physically, through exercise, deep breathing, or splashing cold water on your face.

Once you’ve cooled down, then you can consider whether the incident is worth addressing from a cool, collected position on your part. The key is to use your anger constructively — to draw a line or communicate a boundary. Don’t let it set you on fire.

Who is Getting Your Full Attention?

June 14, 2013

Distracted in a Meeting

Similarly, when someone acts in a rude, obnoxious or inconsiderate manner at work, you may want to strike back by yelling, chiding or otherwise telling them off.

While a quick blow up may release steam in the moment, losing your cool at work is generally not recommended. You don’t want to risk looking volatile or unprofessional or out of control.

Episode 9 – My Jealous Boss & Snooty Coworker

June 12, 2013

Evan from the financial industry joins Kathi and Katherine as they offer sound advice to one person whose boss seems threatened by anyone smarter, and another listener asks how to let a snotty coworker dig their own grave.

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Are You a Morning Person?

June 11, 2013

Cranky Child

Non-Verbal Messages at Work — What are you saying?

June 4, 2013

Lucille Bluth

Just as a smile can say a thousand words, so can a frown or a cold glance. We humans have many ways to send messages to each other. Non-verbal gestures can express everything from curiosity to concern to criticism.

This is especially true in the workplace. Ever experience someone rolling his or her eyes while you were talking at a meeting? Do you know what it feels like to have a coworker turn away from you as you walk by? On the positive side, have you enjoyed the warm feeling when a colleague shoots you a knowing smile? Have you felt encouraged when a coworker offered you an enthusiastic thumbs up?

Whether the message is positive or negative, non-verbal communication can have a powerful impact on your day.

So, here are two questions to consider:
What non-verbal messages are you taking in?
What non-verbal messages are you sending out?

The second question is the one you have most control over. Notice what you may be communicating with your face, your eyes, your hand gestures, and your stances. Do your best to present a positive, professional message – whether your colleagues reciprocate or not.