June 25, 2010Poison to PowerPhrase Communication Alchemy Wisdom: I’m not high maintenance I’m…? Comebacks

Do people ever accuse you of being high maintenance? I know some people think I am. And others think I’m as easy as can be.

When someone accuses you of being high-maintenance, use a little communication alchemy wisdom. Turn the “high-maintenance” Poison Phrase into a Power Phrase that more accurately reflects who you are. I maintain that,

I’m not high maintenance. I’m enthusiastic.
I’m not high maintenance. I’m collaborative.
I’m not high maintenance. I’m nuanced.
I’m not high maintenance, I’m relational.

If you value the above qualities, you’ll probably experience me as not being high maintenance at all. If you don’t, you’ll probably agree with the high-maintenance label.

How do you create your own communication alchemy?

1. Well, you begin by asking yourself what quality you have that people experience as being high maintenance.

2. Then, ask what the value is in that quality.

3. Communicate the quality.

Of course if you really are needy and demanding, you’ll want to practice a different kind of alchemical process. You’ll want to take responsibility for your own behavior before you focus on the words. The best of PowerPhrases are Poison Phrases if they don’t match the walk.