The Intimidaton Factor (Part 2)

"Hatred is the coward's revenge for being intimidated." ~ George Bernard Shaw

We've all been there at some moment in our lives. As we stand in the presence of someone in authority or perceived authority over us, we feel the need to tone things down a little. We don't say much of anything, for fear if we say the wrong thing we'll be chastised or worse, laughed at. Sometimes its just natural shyness (which can be overcome) in our disposition that causes us to be intimidated by someone, but more often than naught I believe it to be a deep seeded belief that the person we are intimidated by is better than us in some way or another. While that may be true to some degree, it should never stop us from remembering this one thing. They are still a human being.

Why do people in positions of authority (real or perceived) in the workplace intimidate us? Too often we take things too personally in the workplace. We want to be friends, or we want to be accepted in some way by those we spend the majority of our day with. This is a natural desire. Sure, there are times when people get angry with us at work, but it is best to always keep in mind it's not personal, even when it is. If we can keep that at the forefront, we will have conquered a major mountain in overcoming the intimidation factor. In fact we will have overcome one of the most damaging aspects to our advancement within a company. A timid personality that is constantly believing that this person or that is treating us poorly. Sometimes that intimidation you feel being directed toward you is nothing more than an overly active imagination.

If you are in a new job where a first impression is being made almost daily, then probably one of the best things you could do is to learn your job. While creating good business relationships is important and essential to your overall growth within the company, you will not be very impressive after a while if you never learned what it is you're supposed to be doing. I've seen far too many people come in as the new rising star of the company as they charm their way to the top, and then when it gets down to the point (working) they fizzle out. Over time, they disappear with barely a whimper. If you focus on improving your job skills and your overall performance you will become more comfortable with your surroundings. Which is key to not finding yourself intimidated by others.

Place your performance as first on your priorities of things to improve. In time, if you create a good working relationship with your co-workers you'll become so comfortable with everyone and everything around you it will be difficult to be intimidated by them.

Your boss, the president of the company, and that person that sits next to you at work are all human. Just as much as you or I. Instead of cowering in fear of what they may or may not think about you (or even what they may say), why not treat them as a human being instead of some god to be feared? Treat them as you would want to be treated. Talk to them and try to connect with them. Ask them questions about things and get their opinions. Most people like to voice their opinions. Interact and listen to them, and their opinions. Even if they're a little ridiculous in your mind. In time, you'll notice you're not intimidated by them at all. It takes time and the willingness to invest a little bit of energy, but it is well worth it.