July 28, 2008Success story ~ hostile environment
While my client “Janet” and I hiked the trails this week, she told me her favorite part of my newsletter is my success stories. I need more. So send me some, please? I need stories of times when you spoke powerfully. They don’t have to have anything to do with my writing or newsletter. Blow your own horn and inspire others. Thanks.
Janet told me a success story about a colleague, Carla, who spoke up for her. Janet’s boss had been dismissive of and hostile toward her. Nothing Janet said seemed to help. Carla witnessed Janet’s treatment and told the boss,
- I am unwilling to work in an environment that is this hostile.
The boss backed down. Janet has a new hero.
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I recently attended a workshop on leadership skills for first-time managers held in Australia. I paid for the course myself and my employer paid for me to attend. When I returned, I was waxing lyrical about the day I’d spent and about Meryl’s book, only I couldn’t quite remember the title. What I did remember (as you do) was the book had something to do with Poison Phrases. Quick as a flash, my boss retorted, “I would have thought you’d have plenty of those already.” Well, I was stunned and her comment certainly took the wind out of my sails. I slid away, hurt to the quick. The next day at lunch, my boss (who never apologises for anything) said she was ‘depressed’ as a way to explain her unbelievably poor behaviour toward me. I’m still hurt but trying to get over it. I belive in working in an environment that promotes trust, compassion and respect and I work toward achieving that but I’m human and I’m not always successful. This is why I have forgiven my boss as I know she’s human, too. I could do without the toxic poison phrases but the more I read your book, the better equipped I become. Thanks Meryl. Sandra
Comment by Sandra — July 29, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
The more empowered I become, the easier it gets for me to forgive people for their hurtfulness. The fact that your boss apologized makes it clear that she knew it was out of line. That was huge. She demonstrated a poison phrase, but also a PowerPhrase for apologizing. I would focus on that.
I’m glad you liked the book! Let me know how I can help you.
Comment by merylrunion — August 3, 2008 @ 3:18 pm