Workplace Relationships are just as significant as romantic relationships.

Our attachment style also affects how we interact at work. Work relationships are relationships all the same.

Have you ever considered how your attachment style shows itself in colleague interactions? How about with your boss or leadership?

Attachment styles can, in a way, be thought of as lenses in which we see ourselves and others; particularly how we interpret others' actions and behaviors.

Attachment styles are personal attributes that can play a significant role in understanding the behaviors and performance at work.

The workplace is a microcosm of the bigger system in which we live and operate. When people interact regularly with other people, there is high likelihood that behavioral patterns, as a result of our attachment styles, will surface, including in workplace settings.

The research has consistently shown that how you attach in your personal relationships directly relates to how you attach in your work relationships. These styles reflect deep?personality disposition which are the building blocks on which thoughts, behaviors, and interpersonal relationships are founded.

Cons of each Attachment Style at work...

Anxious-Avoidant Attachment

• Less positivity and more negative emotions
• Avoid interpersonal closeness and group tasks; prefer to work alone
• Distant; use work commitment to avoid socializing
• Negative view of and criticism towards the leader
• Resistant to leadership and new information (when forming judgments)
• Distrust towards others in general and towards the leader
• Seek less support from others
• Not conforming to groups wishes, not easy to work with on group tasks or projects
• Withdrawing, or tuning out, from unpleasant conversations or insights
• Fear of rejection
• Strong sense of independence
• Feelings of high self-esteem (in abilities, not necessarily self-view/worth) while having a negative view of others
• Being overly focused on their own needs and comforts or projects at work
• Change topics when someone else is sharing something

Anxious-Insecure Attachment

• Preoccupation with acceptance from the group
• Seeking approval or external validation from colleagues or boss
• Strong fear of rejection and receiving negative evaluation by others
• Conformity to group wishes; difficulty saying ‘no’
• Overwhelming desire for interpersonal closeness & investment in social relationships ?
• Negative expectations regarding the leader’s behavior
• Less ability to work independently and autonomously
• Over-reliance on the supervisor/leader for guidance and/or assistance with their work
• Hypersensitivity to feedback; difficulty accepting feedback; views of any feedback as criticism
• Feeling under-appreciated and dissatisfied
• Higher burnout levels
• Counterproductive work behavior and turnover intentions

Disorganized Attachment

• Heightened sensitivity to stress
• Feeling criticized (either real or imagined)
• Unsure how to navigate people and relationships
• Cautious & suspicious
• Have inconsistent & negative view of others & relationships with others
• Engaging in misconduct
• Unstable identity/sense of self, unpredictable mental state, extreme mood swings
• Difficulty believing people will like them for who they are
• Avoid proximity to others, & lack of a coherent approach to interacting with others
• Impulsivity
• Having contradictory intentions regarding working relationships
• Seek distance & independence AND clingy & attention-seeking behavior
• Difficulties with communication and inconsistent behavior
• “Approach & Avoid” behavior
• People pleasing (go along with whatever other people want or agree to things they may not agree with to make things easier in the moment)
• Struggling with mental health concerns

For Leadership...

Leaders, founders, and CEOs can increase recognition of the significance of attachment styles in the workplace by organizing workshops, open conversations and feedback sessions.

Leading the discussion and awareness with employees is a sign of an effective, Trauma Informed Leader.

Educating employees about these styles empowers them to understand their own behavior patterns and those of their colleagues. This awareness lends to greater empathy, reduction in misunderstandings, and a more supportive network. Through these discussions, workshops, webinars, and courses employees can learn to adapt their communication and collaboration methods, leading to stronger connections and improved teamwork. In addition, we increase DEI and safety for ALL people in the workplace.

Do you embody the skills and practices of Trauma Informed Leadership?

If you want to learn more about Trauma Informed Leadership, you can access a few options with me.

• 1:1 Consultation to assess HOW trauma informed you or your organization currently is and develop a plan to grow the skills
• Read more of my work about this topic. Here is an article I wrote for a Trauma Informed Organization I partner with: CLICK HERE
• Authority Magazine featured my ideas for building an inclusive and authentic culture. Read it in full: CLICK HERE
• Purchase my Trauma Informed Leader Learning Guide. This is a self-guided digital download with exercises. CLICK HERE

How can you utilize the expertise of this Dynamic Trauma Informed Professional?

Consultation. Assessment. Education. Analysis. Strategy Development. Explanation. Integration. Evaluation.

I can take a look at your team, organization, business, identify the problems, offer solutions with trauma-informed principles and practices at the helm, assist in implementing solutions, follow up to ensure integration is occurring for an overall excellent experience utilizing my skills to address your concerns.

Are you a MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL?

Do you need a space to vent, process, be validated?

What would a supportive community do for you?

?If you are seeking connection, support, feedback, validation, space to process the demands and difficulties of being a Mental Health Provider, then come to the virtual monthly support group and REFILL YOUR CUP!

?Low cost. Come as you are. Drop in once or every month. Whatever you need. You are welcome here.

Register for the group, pay the week before, drop in or make it habit!

Register Here

New Shop, Now Opened!

I often engage in creative things as an outlet. I dabble in graphic design. I make jewelry (stay tuned for those!) I design stickers. And then once I collected so many creations decided to share them with the world!

Thrive & Shine has officially OPENED their Red Bubble storefront! Find fresh & new, and tried & true products designed with positive mental health and self-view in mind. Thanks for supporting my small business endeavors!

Shop Here

Sending you boundless good vibes, hoping for a healed heart, & wishing you a peaceful nervous system. Take care of yourself, first and always. ??

-Sarah

*Subscribe to receive monthly freebies!