Mastering the Art of Responding When You’re Under Pressure at Work
Carla Miller
Women's leadership & confidence coach, trainer & keynote speaker. Gender equality. Best selling author of Closing the Influence Gap & host of Influence & Impact podcast. Helping women build influence & impact at work.
Responding to unexpected questions or being put on the spot in a meeting can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can navigate these situations with confidence. In this blog, I address the discomfort of being put on the spot and provide insights and phrases to help you to respond with confidence. Let's delve into some strategies on how to handle these situations and overcome the unease of responding under pressure at work.
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Understanding the Internal Pressure
We can create huge internal pressure to respond perfectly in such moments and this is down to our high expectations of ourselves. In the latest episode of the Influence & Impact podcast , I highlight three unhelpful ways of thinking – the need to be perfect, thinking all answers should come easily, and requiring 100% certainty in your responses. These expectations can fuel anxiety and prevent you from making valuable contributions. By recognising and questioning these expectations, you can free yourself from work pressure that can be paralysing. Listen to the episode to find out more.
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Taking a Kind Approach to Yourself
Would you have the same expectations of a colleague or team member?? By comparing the expectations you place on yourself to those you place on others, you’ll notice the need for some self-compassion. Understanding the detrimental impact of overly high expectations can be the first step toward reevaluating and reframing these internal pressures to be perfect or respond immediately.
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Embracing Reflective Thinking as a Strength
Around a third of individuals favour reflective thinking when forming responses. It's important to recognise that reflective thinking is a valuable strength rather than a flaw. Creating environments that support this reflective style of thinking can significantly improve decision-making processes in meetings.
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The Power of Holding Phrases
You can use powerful holding phrases to buy time and gather thoughts when you are put on the spot at work. Phrases such as "Let me think about that for a moment" and "Can you tell me more?" give you space to collect your thoughts without feeling the need to apologise or provide vague responses. These phrases enable you to respond clearly, confidently, and professionally.? I’ve created a pdf with some of my favourite holding phrases which you’ll receive when you subscribe to my newsletter .
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Navigating Decision-Making Pressure
When decisions are being rushed or when additional time for analysis is required, my latest podcast episode offers insightful phrases to influence the speed of decision-making. By calmly suggesting the need for further analysis or regrouping, you can steer the decision-making process in a positive and thoughtful direction, ultimately leading to more informed and effective outcomes.
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Embracing Boundaries in Response
When asked for information that isn't readily available, it's helpful to set boundaries and manage expectations. Offering a definite timeframe for providing the required information, without feeling the need to apologise, can ensure clarity and professionalism in your responses to your boss or work colleagues.
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Listen to the episode to get more tips or sign up for my newsletter to get the ‘holding phrases’ I mention in the blog and podcast.