A recent trip to the local supermarket had me picking up an article and reading VAT...Value added tax. Whilst I could not but dwell on the fact that it offered no value added to my life, I was wont to reflect on whether I could be said to be adding value to the lives of others. Am I a VAT person? Do I add value as I enter a room?
There is no doubt that somehow certain people do precisely the opposite. Sullen, objectionable, sour faced individuals who suck the life and energy out of a room just by being there. We all know them! We don't want to be with them. We are told in fact to avoid such people. But they exist and we continue to allow them to be the black holes of meetings, we tip toe around them not wanting to have to face their absurd statements finding the negative in every situation.
As I have grown older though I have become less and less tolerant of allowing these people to interfere in my joie de vivre. And yes I enjoy life. If I did not then what the hell am I doing still being part of the group we call humanity? So life now tells me to say it like it is. Let me share a few thoughts related to dealing with these voids called people I refer to.
- If they irritate you then say so. Tell them straight to their face. It is far better than sitting and seething and allows a breath of fresh air to flow in. You'd be surprised how many feel a sense of total relief that someone has had the courage to put the naysayer in his/her place.
- Challenge them at every opportunity. What have you got to lose? If they stomp out of the room/meeting then the world can resume its balance and life continues. You might even receive a cheer.
- He's your boss you say. Ok then make a decision to tell him to shut up in the kindest way you can but tell him so. And if necessary ensure you have found another job in the interim. You cannot enjoy life dreading meetings where you have to spend an hour or two while the negativity is spread thickly over your life and those around you. If you have to leave then do so...BUT do not leave without letting the world know exactly what you feel.
- Surround yourself with celebratory people. Life is too short.
