Setting the record straight

Been thinking about last week’s situation with Alex at work, and honestly? I’m kind of proud of how I handled it.

Setting the record straight

When he started getting too competitive during our team training sessions, making comments that were crossing the line from motivation into straight-up undermining, I could have just let it slide like I might have a few years ago.

Instead, I asked for a private conversation and laid out exactly what needed to change. Not aggressive, not emotional – just clear about what professional behavior looks like and what I expect from team members.

Processing mode activated

The whole thing lasted maybe ten minutes, but it shifted something important in our working relationship.

What surprised me most was how much clearer I felt afterward. Like I’d been carrying this low-level stress about his behavior without even realizing it. Now our training sessions actually feel collaborative again, and I think the whole team noticed the difference. Sometimes the conversations you don’t want to have are exactly the ones you need to have.

Turns out standing up for yourself doesn’t have to be dramatic or confrontational. It can just be honest.