Anxiety & Judging in the Workplace

We judge others on their actions. We judge ourselves on our intentions.

This is by no means groundbreaking insight. However, I have never experienced such a clear cut work example until recently.

Here is my confession: I suffer from Anxiety. I like to blame it on Catholic guilt. The reality is I have had some life situations that have caused me to be very sensitive to any situation or verbal communication that could possibly be interpreted as aggressive. This makes receiving constructive criticism very difficult. Thus, I have a constant level of mild anxiety at work. In speaking to co-workers and friends, I don't think I am unique in this. Many of us dread meetings with bosses, presentations, or feelings of insecurity at work.

I have a supervisor that has started to deliver criticism by beginning with acknowledging my intention. He assumes the best in me always. Then, he corrects my actions/ gives constructive feedback and wraps it up on a positive note. Let me give a specific example: "Martha I now you are always a professional and never meant to do XXXXXX. I just wanted to make you aware of the situation that it lead to. I have full faith in you and appreciate your continued contributions." Genius.

The way in which he gives feedback makes me (1) Feel like he has full faith in me and assumes the best in me (2) Makes me want to live into his high expectations of me and do better (3) Has reduced my anxiety in the workplace. All of this has resulted in an increase in my loyalty to him and the organization.

Martha Laughman, MS Organizational Psychology