When we assume...
What's "rigid" for you might be a lifeline for someone else
I’ve been reflecting on communication styles and how different people need different things to succeed. My friend Rudi had a fascinating insight while working with her QA person. He needed incredibly explicit, step-by-step instructions to feel confident in his work. For Rudi, that felt so unnatural—like she was micromanaging. But when she gave it a try, he told her it was exactly what he needed.
It’s a good reminder that what feels awkward or overly rigid to us might be a lifeline for someone else. I wonder how much of our discomfort is just a signal that we need to stretch a little. It’s not about becoming someone you’re not; it’s about meeting people halfway.
How much of our discomfort is just a signal that we need to stretch a little?
This doesn’t mean bending forever, though. Rudi’s takeaway was that accommodations have limits. You can flex to help someone thrive, but the work still has to get done. If the team’s rhythm gets thrown off, it’s okay to step back and reassess. It’s all about balance.