Umm...Should we move that elephant out of here?

Do you know someone who engages in behavior that leads to hurt feelings, and resentment?  Do you know someone who sucks the positivity out of everyone around them, leaving behind a “toxic” environment?

Chances are that if you know someone who acts in this way, nobody is doing anything to address this problem.  The truth is, most people know the problem exists, but feel that if they simply ignore the problem, it will either go away, or someone else will take care of the problem for them.

How often, really, does ignoring the problem – the elephant in the room – work?

If you live or work with a toxic individual, a bully, or someone who shows little regard for others, you need to be part of the solution by working to fix the problem, rather than being part of the problem, which is empowering that individual by letting them get their way.

I am working on a seminar, “Bullies in the workplace and life,” in which I address how to work to solve issues related to aggressive and unproductive strategies.  If you are interested in attending, follow this link.

One way you can work to remove the elephant in the room is by refining your skills in employing assertive communication strategies.  Simply put, you need to respect yourself first, and stick up for your interests and rights, while at the same time respecting the interests and rights of others.

I challenge you to be accountable and responsible for your communications with others.  You are not only accountable and responsible for your actions and words, but for how those words and actions affect others.  By simply ignoring the elephant in the room, we are problem enablers, rather than problem solvers.

Best wishes,

-Victor