Superman: What’s Your Kryptonite?

https://learning-alliances.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/cropped-Favicon-copy.png

Superman: What is your “kryptonite?”

Yes, I really asked, “What is your kryptonite”. Let’s take some time to talk about Superman and kryptonite. What are your first thoughts about Superman? His power to fight evil? His secret role as Clark Kent? His cape? His kryptonite? In all the movies, he is intuitively aware of evil and untruths. He has an ability to change from business suit into Superman and his cape in a small telephone booth or anywhere. He is a mystery to many, honored by most and is despised by his adversaries. Does this sound like a work environment to you? Let’s take a closer look.

Superman-BusinessmanAs your own superman role at work, how do you diminish wrong doing such as gossiping, planting negative seeds, incomplete or inaccurate work, etc.? You may say to yourself that you are a great example of strong work ethic, building positive work relationships and exemplary in accomplishing goals and tasks. All of these things may be true. However, each of us has a form of kryptonite in our lives. Unlike Superman or Superwoman, our kryptonite creeps in with minimal notice until the lack of power has overtaken us.

Let’s define kryptonite before we move forward. Kryptonite is a fictional material from the Superman mythos””the ore form of a radioactive element from Superman’s home planet of Krypton. Within the mythos, it is the ultimate natural weakness of Superman and most other Kryptonians. In popular culture the word Kryptonite has since become synonymous with an Achilles’ heel””the one weakness of an otherwise invulnerable hero. Wikipedia.com For today, we are looking at weaknesses which can make you vulnerable in demonstrating your “super” behaviors at work. Take this opportunity to consider your power elements and your kryptonite power robbers.

There are many elements of kryptonite and listed below are just a few.*  If you find yourself in a place of concern and you can’t find how to eliminate the kryptonite, please contact us at Learning Alliances, LLC and we can help!

Here are just a few examples of kryptonite power robbers and strategies to empower yourself again.

Kryptonite Strategy
* 
Loss of Emotion
Someone hit your kryptonite button and you are near exploding with tears, with harsh words and/or harsh actions.
  • Say, “I need to walk away and I’ll come back when I can be more objective.”*  And then do it.
  • Collaborate for objectivity and professionalism.
  • Do not lower your own standards because of a situation:that’s your choice.*  No one takes your standards away ” unless you give them away!
* 
Lack of Understanding
You can’t get what someone is trying to explain to you and it’s important to* both of you.

  • Say, “I want to understand this so please give me an example.”

  • Remember and apply Stephen Covey’s, seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

  • Once you understand, repeat back in your own words to assure you fully understand. And then ask, “Is that right?” If yes, great. If not, keep asking until you fully and commonly understand.
* 
Lost Confidence
Somewhere along the line you have lost your mojo or confidence.
  • Think about and even write down those successes you have had in the past. Focus on those successes and know that past successes can help build future successes.
  • Be your own best friend with your thoughts and your words to yourself. In other words, talk nice to yourself.
  • Take yourself out of the picture and ask yourself what you would say to your best friend or client, who had the same concerns you have in your mind. Then, consider those recommendations:pick what works for you and get your mojo back!
  • Is there a medical issue? If unsure, then get to the doctor.
* 
Loss of Empowerment
Empowerment is lost during specific situations when you feel put down, personally attacked or even* job/title changes.
  • Specific situations ” consider all points of view (which is very hard ” we only want to blame others). What do you have to learn from this? Apply what you have to learn and do it!
  • Feeing personally attacked ” ask yourself what is really bothering you about this? Specifically define it. Is it that you worked especially hard and now someone else is taking over the project and taking it in a different direction? Is it that you believe this person is discrediting you on purpose? Caution:do not retaliate. Ask questions to understand and put the “elephant on the table” by openly discussing.
  • Find a place of agreement ” compromise may be needed. Be honest about what you need instead of beating around the bush.
    In your prior job, you could answer many complex issues, and now, you are not as experienced in your new role/job. Learn:learn:learn. Stay humble and be like a sponge.
* 
Lack of Autonomy
Less authority to make decisions or
move forward
  • Example: New boss seems like a micro-manager. You can’t make decisions without his/her approval first when you’ve been doing this for years. Sit down and discuss your needs and how you can both be successful. Find a place of agreement by clarifying the what, who and how.
  • Ask open-ended questions to understand what has changed and how you are interpreting. Always stay professional.
  • Focus on places and situations you can maintain autonomy for the success of all and the success of the organization.

May 5, 2014 | Shirley Stelbrink |