This won’t work at all! Did you even consider the costs?

So, let me tell you about this ongoing situation I had with my manager, whom I like to call “The Verbal Aggressor.” It’s not really meant to be mean-spirited; it’s just a nickname that fits. She has a way of speaking that, let’s just say, isn’t always the friendliest.

The specific scenario that really stands out happened during our weekly team meetings. You know, the kind where everyone is supposed to share updates and celebrate little wins? Well, every time it was my turn to speak, I could feel my heart racing just a bit.

One day, I shared a project I was really excited about. It was a new marketing strategy I’d been working on for weeks. I presented my ideas with enthusiasm, hoping everyone would see the potential. But when she chimed in, it felt like a balloon being popped. Instead of giving constructive feedback, she launched into a barrage of critiques. “What were you thinking? This won’t work at all! Did you even consider the costs?” Her words came out like arrows, piercing through my confidence.

I tried to stay calm, reminding myself that feedback is important, but her delivery felt like a personal attack. I noticed my teammates glancing at each other uneasily. Some of them looked almost relieved when she turned her attention to someone else.

After the meeting, I found myself sitting at my desk, replaying the way she’d spoken to me. I knew I had to address it, but how? I wanted to keep the conversation friendly and constructive. So, the next day, I mustered up my courage and approached her after lunch.

“Hey! Can we chat for a minute?” I said, trying to keep my tone light. She raised an eyebrow but nodded, and we stepped aside. I took a deep breath and expressed my concerns.

To my surprise, her expression softened. She looked thoughtful. I felt a wave of relief wash over me for what she told me. It was like turning a corner; I could see a glimmer of hope for our future interactions.

From that point on, while she still had her moments (let’s be honest, we all have our quirks), she actually started being more conscious of how she communicated. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a noticeable improvement! And you know what? I learned that sometimes, just having an open and friendly conversation can change the dynamic entirely.

So now, whenever I finish a project, I don’t dread sharing it in meetings anymore. I actually look forward to it. It turns out that even a verbal aggressor can become a supporter with just a little bit of understanding and kindness.