Page 38 - An Indispensible Resource for Being a Credible Activist

There may be a subtle shift of certain responsibilities away from you and to others
and similarly, you may be forced to take on busy-work that is not appropriate for
your position and is designed to demean and anger you.
People whom you have helped with things or with whom you have never had a
problem may suddenly gang up on you with others who are discrediting you—
“Groupthink” can happen and individual rational thought can be overtaken in
some people.

FLIGHT RESPONSES
They may retreat, reluctantly go with your recommendations, yet resent you for it.
They may ignore you, and exclude you from meetings, processes, decisions, trainings,
consultant meetings, etc.
There may be further exclusion than existed before.
Any issues you raise may just be avoided instead of resolved and you may later be
blamed for having raised them, even though it is your job to do so.
Any conflicts with you will be avoided rather than used as opportunities for
resolution, learning, and development for all involved.
There may be a subtle shift of certain responsibilities away from you and to others—
or there may be a shift of certain responsibilities to you and away from others;
either of these is a communication to you about your status in the workgroup.
Any harassment or retaliation against you may be ignored and/or not taken seriously.

People with whom you have had good rapport or even friendships may become
reluctant to talk to you or be seen with you.
In short, you are viewed as “the enemy” even though you are not the enemy.

SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

How do you respond to misunderstandings between you and a colleague? You and
your supervisor?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how punctual are you?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are you to directly discuss a conflict you might be
having with someone at work?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are you to avoid a conflict you’re having with
someone at work?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how aware of your emotions would you say you are?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your verbal and/or written skills while
you’re having a very frustrating day?
What kinds of things do you do to alleviate stress while at work?

CHAPTER 2 • The Impor tance of Emotional Intelligence for the Credible Activist 21