Tension and frustration in team meetings is common.
Beth was interested in experiencing Logosynthesis so we met on a late afternoon Zoom call. I know Beth, so we had a brief chat before settling in to explore a topic. She is a team lead and is currently working from home. She notices that it is harder to interact with others. A lot of people are stressed out and although she is doing well in her current situation, she notices more negativity at work than pre-pandemic.
I guide people using Logosynthesis:
Applying the Logosynthesis Basic Procedure.
“What bothers you?”
“When others are negative. I try to improve morale but it is hard to get people on-board. We are short-staffed but I wish that instead of complaining, we could spend time on finding solutions.”
She explained that she has regular calls on MS Teams and often, they don’t get anywhere. Some individuals take up a lot of time complaining in the meeting but overall, the entire meeting is an issue. I asked her to explore the thoughts related to the calls: “Stupid. Pointless. A waste of time.”
Next she explored the emotions related to the calls: “Frustrated. Disappointed.”
Exploring the physical sensations in her body, she noted: “I feel it in my face and chest.”
On a SUDS scale of 0-10, with 0 being no distress and 10 being maximum distress, she rated her current level of distress as a 6-7.
Next, I asked Beth to notice any sensory perceptions in her personal space. After some time and guidance to explore, she noted: “The pressure on my face.” I offer a cycle of the three Logosynthesis sentences with working pauses.
“What happens?” She responds that she is relaxed and the pressure is gone. She is not as frustrated. She rates the current distress at a 3-4.
Another cycle of the Logosynthesis Basic Procedure
We explore the current situation. She knows that she is still new and she is aware that it is not really in her control. “I wish I could do more. I wish I could take action. But I can’t. And when I get in that position in the meeting, I zone out.”
The emotions relate to being helpless and she feels this in her throat. She rates the distress at a 5. Next, I ask her to connect with this distress and explore her personal space for sensory perceptions.
“I hear the sound of this voice.” I did not have to know who the voice belong to because it was clear that Beth knew. Then I offer a cycle of the three Logosynthesis sentences with working pauses.
“What happens?” Beth responds that she felt pressure leave her face that she didn’t realize she had. The feel in her throat is gone. “I am more willing to try to find a way. I am more hopeful.” She rates the current distress at a 2.
Feeling more calm and present:
“What about trying to improve morale now?” I ask. Her response: “I’m not as frustrated about the whole situation.” She has ideas about what she can do moving forward. It appears to be a good place to close the session and she agrees to let me know what shifts at work.
Get started to relieve tension and frustration in team meetings.
Check out these resources to get you started. You can also watch the guided video below to experience what can shift. Firstly, grab a glass of water and find a quiet, uninterrupted place. Allow at least 30 minutes so that you are not rushed. And then, simply follow my guidance on the video. Energy shifts can feel subtle or intense, so take some time to notice what shifts over the next few days and weeks. Enjoy!