Requests that feel like begging

Ever pondered how to ask for feedback without sounding insecure? Do you feel capable of understanding the usual lingo of colleagues from a different generation? These moments, both puzzling and amusing, highlight the everyday adventures in communication.

Welcome to our latest newsletter, where we dive into the everyday quirks of connecting with colleagues and the challenges of office dialogue.

Here's our agenda for This Professional Zen edition:

?? What feels like begging but isn't?

?? Multigenerational communication at work

?? Latest AI developments: SORA

?? Meditopia's content pick

Lately, we stumbled upon a rather amusing question that got us pondering: What feels like begging but isn't quite? Here are some responses that not only tickled our funny bones but also made us reflect on the nuances of professional etiquette:

• The follow-up email after an interview.
• A cover letter.
• Asking for a client to pay for a finished work.

And it doesn't stop there. Here are a few more scenarios where we might unknowingly experience similar feelings:

• Hoping for recognition in team meetings.
• Ask your manager for time off.
• Checking in with a colleague on the progress of a project.
• Sending LinkedIn requests to industry professionals.
• Salary discussions.
• Asking for feedback.

But... Why? Why do these moments feel a bit like begging, even when they're totally reasonable requests?

You might think this awkward dance is reserved for the office, but it sneaks into our everyday lives, too. Picture this: You're at a restaurant, and the waiter brings you the wrong side dish. Still, you say, Nah, it's fine, instead of asking for the right one. ?? Sounds familiar, right?

It's perfectly human to feel these doubts and hesitations—it shows we care about our interactions, both in and out of the office. But remember, it's all about finding the right balance and not letting these feelings run our lives.

So, whenever you notice yourself getting caught up with these feelings at work, take a step back and strategize. Remember, it's all about how you frame your requests and understand the value you bring to the table. Here are a few strategies that can help:

• Reflect on the Situation: Before acting on your feelings, take a moment to assess why you feel this way. Understanding the root cause can help you address it more effectively.
• Practice Clear Communication: Work on expressing your needs and requests clearly and concisely. Clarity can reduce the discomfort associated with asking for something.
• Normalize Asking: Remind yourself that it's normal and necessary to ask for things at work, whether it's for feedback, help, or resources. Everyone does it at some point.
• Prepare and Plan: If you're feeling anxious about a specific request, prepare what you want to say beforehand. Planning can help reduce anxiety and increase your confidence.
• Focus on the Mutual Benefit: Frame your requests in a way that highlights the mutual benefit to both you and the organization. This can make the ask feel more like a collaboration than a favor.

By incorporating these strategies, you can better manage feelings of awkwardness or discomfort in the workplace, making these situations easier to navigate over time.

Speaking of communication… Navigating today's workplace is like attending a family reunion—less awkward hugging, more shared Google Docs. With Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z all bringing their unique perspectives to the table, our workspaces have become more diverse and dynamic landscapes.

The variety in communication preferences and work styles among these groups can sometimes lead to challenges in ensuring smooth, effective collaboration. For instance, the preferred mode of communication varies significantly across generations, with some favoring direct, in-person conversations and others leaning towards digital communications like emails or messaging apps.

Understanding and navigating these differences requires consciously adapting our communication styles and methods. Indeed, it's not only about generational differences; we may still have questions about how we should communicate with people of our ages, but we have different ways of communicating.

What is the most difficult thing for you in terms of communication in business life? Are there similarities between the people you have difficulty communicating with? What kind of strategies have you applied so far to overcome them?

To bridge the gap and foster a more inclusive and effective communication environment, it's helpful to step into each other's shoes. Experiencing how others prefer to communicate can broaden our understanding and appreciation for different styles, ultimately enhancing our ability to collaborate. Here's an exercise that you can give a try this week:

It's not about self-sacrificing or giving up on your preferred ways of interacting; this exercise is more about exploring different methods of communication and understanding their value in a diverse workplace.

As technology evolves, so, too, does our communication, both in life and in our workplaces. This brings us to the latest announcement from OpenAI: SORA, a new tool that produces realistic and imaginative scenes from written instructions, enhancing digital communication.

Even though it's not open to the public yet, it will surely change the course of many industries. Let's think together briefly: How could we integrate this tool into our everyday workflows? Here are a few ideas: Serving as a catalyst for brainstorming sessions, it can allow teams to visualize concepts and ideas in unprecedented ways. By transforming abstract thoughts into tangible visuals, this technology has the potential to enhance collaborative projects, inspire innovative solutions, and break down communication barriers, especially when conveying complex ideas. So, how can you use this tool in your own workflows? Consider jotting down your ideas and discussing them with your team for future plans.

We have a comprehensive module dedicated to workplace communication, comprising seven courses. In this module, you'll engage in active listening exercises, learn the fundamentals of nonviolent communication, and explore the intricacies of giving and receiving feedback, as well as managing conflicts.

That’s all for this week! We hope this edition has helped you reflect on your communication with colleagues. True, workplace dynamics can be challenging, yet they're nothing that can't be addressed with a little awareness and patience.

Let us know how the communication style swap exercise works out for you.

See you next month!