#professional-relationships

#professional-relationships

I felt compelled to agree at the moment, because SHE IS MY BOSS. But the more I think about this, the more uncomfortable I feel.

I vowed long ago as division chair to never attend a gathering for this individual, so I skipped it. I was confronted and scolded regarding my absence.

Finding the perfect balance for office outings is challenging; it requires navigating the fine line between presenting yourself authentically and maintaining your professional image.

The Freeze and Flee response is about withdrawal emotionally or acting out impulsively, which can create more tension rather than alleviating it.

Since I started wearing headphones, it has made my time at work much easier because I can focus on my tasks without trying to bridge the gap with co-workers.

Instead of focusing on your needs in communication, consider your audience's expectations to achieve better outcomes.

In this case, I would use a teeny tiny white lie the next time you're scheduled to get in a car with him. Something like, 'I got in a close call this past weekend when someone else was driving... If you aren't OK with me driving both of us, I'll just meet you there in my car.' This completely takes him out of the equation—it’s an issue that you have, and it’s not personal to him.

I've practiced law under the heavy hand of the billable hour for 14 years, first as a Biglaw associate and then in-house as a Biglaw client, and have seen firsthand its negative impact on lawyers and clients alike.