Professional growing pains

Had one of those uncomfortable work moments last week that’s been sitting with me ever since.

Professional growing pains

You know the kind - where someone pushes boundaries in a meeting and you have to decide whether to let it slide or speak up. I chose to speak up, and it did not go smoothly.

But here’s the thing I keep coming back to: it needed to happen. Alex has been getting increasingly competitive during our team planning sessions, and last Tuesday he completely steamrolled over Michelle’s input about patient care protocols. The old me might have smoothed it over afterward or found a diplomatic way around it later. Instead, I stopped the conversation right there and redirected.

Working through it one page at a time

The aftermath was awkward as hell, but Michelle sent me a text afterward saying she appreciated someone having her back. And Alex? He actually apologized the next day and has been way more collaborative since then. Sometimes the most uncomfortable moments teach you the most about what kind of leader you want to be.

Turns out setting boundaries isn’t about being mean or confrontational - it’s about creating space for everyone to contribute. Who knew workplace drama could be so educational?