The PB Syndrome

If your friends or colleagues have ever referred to you as the one with the “strong personality”, “natural leader” and/or an “intense person”, this article may be for you. Strong personalities tend to be the leaders in the work environment. At times there are 2 or more of these powerful beings (we’ll call them PB’s) in the office at the same time, working together for the common good. However, at times they don’t work together all that well and can butt heads. I call this the PB syndrome. The PB syndrome is when one of the two powerful beings has feelings of insecurity, lack, or conflict with the other simply because they cannot cope with the intensity or strength of the other person’s character. To the PB feeling insecure, it appears that the other powerful being is overwhelming them or “swallowing” their energy. This can potentially lead to the insecure PB acting out in anger towards the other person because they’re fighting to regain their power.

Here’s the good news: Two strong personality types can survive in a working relationship. However, there must be several elements present in order for it to work – mutual respect, flow of power, praise, listening or giving someone the floor.

Let’s say there’s an office meeting and you’re one of the leaders (PB and you share some great ideas. Another PB has ideas too and makes their points in a very effective way. In your mind, your points now seem smaller, you’re in awe of the other, and you might even become envious. A solution is to respect their new idea, as it’s just as important as yours and does not devalue it. These two great points of view can stand together. Also, focus on the good points of the other PB’s idea and how it will help the common good of the office. Draw your attention to the fact that working together is about the team and not the individual, so no one person needs to be on top.

To deal with feeling overwhelmed or “swallowed” by another PB, try taking a deep breath to release the emotions you’re feeling, then focus your listening on the points that are being made – devoid of emotion. Respecting their strength and viewpoints while respecting your own, is in effect allowing both of your powerful energies to exist together, freely moving between the two of you. This will make both of you feel safe, secure and confident. The antithesis of this is overly controlling behavior patterns and disastrous communication, which will break down the team. Remember a powerful being and true leader is someone who is able to move and inspire an entire group of leaders and followers, towards a common goal working together.

Daydree is a Reiki practitioner who lives and works in Los Angeles. She is a registered member of International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP). To book an appt call: (310) 581-9238 www.myoshun.com

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