Reframing a negative mindset

Have you found yourself responding defensively when questioned by a line manager?  Have you ever felt under excessive pressure?  What did you do about it?

Last week I worked with a client, who had found herself in a position where her defences were high and where she was feeling very anxious about any scrutiny from line managers.

Instead of welcoming a visit from her line manager, she was worrying about it.  She was considering ways in which she might protect her team by keeping them out of the path of her manager.  She was sharing information required, but keeping this to the bare minimum.

During the coaching session, my client was able to identify that she had fallen into a negative ‘fight or flight’ mindset, and was holding her line manager at arm’s length.  When she reflected on the reasons for this, she recognised that that this was because she was feeling under pressure.  As a result of feeling under scrutiny, she had begun to withhold information as a form of defence, but this was resulting in her manager digging deeper, which was polarising their positions.

During the coaching session, my client was able to reframe the narrative, with support, to recognise that her line manager was part of her team, and would be an asset who could help her achieve her strategic goals.  She was able to reframe her line-managers motives and recognise that he might be frustrated about having information withheld, and would simply want to know what was happening, so that he could support her. 

Have you ever managed to reframe a negative mindset?  It’s a powerful tool to help you overcome internal barriers. If you would like to explore more, please contact me for a free discovery call.