Thrive Global: How to Deal with 3 Common Challenges at Work

Some challenges at work feel like exciting problems to solve. Others feel like insurmountable obstacles. When you encounter the latter, there are strategies and tools that can help you get through them with less stress.

When you and a teammate have different communication styles

If you’re having trouble communicating with someone on your team, try taking five minutes to put your thoughts on paper before your next meeting with them. “Trying to communicate in a way that goes against your natural tendencies can be uncomfortable,” Michael Alcée, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, tells Thrive. “Writing it out helps you work from the inside out.” Working to better understand your colleagues’ communication styles allows you to have more empathy and communicate more clearly.

When you don’t know how to prioritize your tasks

When you start to feel stressed by how much is on your plate, try identifying non-urgent tasks that you can take off your to-do list today. “If you have a massive increase in urgent work, you may need to suspend non-urgent work entirely, such as a project with no deadline, process improvement items, or networking meetings,” she explains. And if you need some help identifying which tasks can move off your plate, ask your manager for advice, or check in with the stakeholders of the projects you’re working on to see if any deadlines are flexible. When it comes to prioritizing, getting a second opinion can be a game-changer.

When your new project feels overwhelming

Many of us try to avoid asking questions because we want to appear confident and capable, but when we feel overwhelmed, asking for help and seeking clarity is critical. Instead of letting your stress accumulate, ask your manager for clarification on the task at hand, and don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions. Chances are, they’ll be happy you asked!

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