Perfect responses to 5 tricky situations

By Brian Maynor

 

We’ve all had them; moments when our brains just can’t process words fast enough to respond to a critical situation.

Whether it’s during a conversation, meeting, presentation or casual conversation, these challenges tend to happen with without warning and unless we’re prepared ahead of time our brains freeze making the moment to respond lost.

Here are a few phrases to keep handy and use the next time we need to regain control of both our mental faculties and the conversation:

1.   “Thanks for highlighting my point.”  This is a great line to toss out the next time someone tries to claim credit for our idea.  Not only does this statement prevent us from being marginalized, it allows us to reclaim our idea without disparaging the other person.  It’s no coincidence that after this statement we have the opportunity to clarify, elaborate or further discuss the idea, which strengthens our ownership over it and places us back in the driver’s seat of the conversation.

2.    “Unfortunately I have another commitment.”  We’ve all been asked to stay late or attend an unscheduled meeting, which conflicts with a prior personal commitment and most of us struggle with prioritizing them over additional work requests because we’re afraid of the possible repercussions.  Just because the commitment is personal doesn’t mean it’s any less important.  This statement is perfect because it’s an implicit, respectful response that establishes informational boundaries and allows us to meet our prior commitment without the fear of professional backlash or resentment.

3.    “That’s a good starting point.”  Saying ‘no’ is hard, especially when you want to demonstrate your commitment and work ethic, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong.  This statement gets the point across more subtly and protects our reputation.  By rephrasing the request as a starting point, we can reshape it, entertain it without committing to it and offer our own solution.  It quickly becomes diplomacy instead of rejection.

4.    “This is my preference.”  We aren’t always going to agree with every decision made by the higher-ups, but sometimes we just can’t let one go.  This creates a conflict between our desire to defend our position and maintain our working relationships.  While this phrase may not change the outcome, it gets the point across clearly and rationally that we are concerned, open to reasoning and invested in the situation enough to stay engaged as it moves forward.

5.    “Your response gives me cause to take this further.”  This is a very serious statement that should only be used in serious situations.  It clearly establishes that the issue is not going away, and that we are committed to seeing consequences handed down to the offender; not suffer them as the reporter.  In addition to that, this statement is empowering in a moment that could otherwise be demoralizing.

Tricky situations happen, but we don’t have to be caught off-guard by them or let them pass unaddressed.  The key is to have some go-to statements on hand and ready so our brains aren’t scrambling to figure out what to say.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty.  Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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