Don’t take it personally

Truly the hardest part of working is not taking others actions or words personally.  Chances are they’re so busy looking at themselves they haven’t even considered how something might be interpreted by you.

Try this out – assume it’s not personal and see how you feel.  See how they act.  See if there are repercussions or things go smoothly.  You can always ask if there’s something you did to offend someone, but people rarely look up from their own performance to notice others around them.  It’s a common human condition to be self involved and self protective.

In my experience, the times I’ve succeeded in not taking it personally, I felt great.  I felt no burden of responsibility for someone’s curmudgeonly attitude or furrowed brows.  I was able to go on my way, get my work done and get home to the rest of my life.  I often found out later that the person was constipated or was upset their project was cancelled- whatever it was had nothing to do with me.