8 Comments
User's avatar
Elina's avatar

I found your reframe of interruption as a power game really interesting. I don’t think everyone who interrupts sees it that way consciously, but it’s likely a subconscious dynamic. And if we are operating on that subtle level, the small tweaks you suggest, like not asking permission to finish- makes even more sense

Expand full comment
fenix's avatar

Thanks, Elina. You’re probably right, not everyone interrupts consciously (people do it for all kinds of reasons). Hopefully people find the small tweaks helpful in reclaiming their voice whenever they’ve been interrupted.

Expand full comment
Making Numbers Matter's avatar

Interesting thoughts. Thank you!

Expand full comment
fenix's avatar

No problem, thank you for the kind comment!

Expand full comment
Workplace Rewired's avatar

Such an interesting point. Realising that interruption can be a power move, not just a personality quirk, completely shifts how you see it. It makes you question which behaviours you’ve been excusing as ’just how someone is’.

Expand full comment
Workplace Rewired's avatar

I think the whole point is learning how to reclaim your voice. It takes real courage to do that, especially for someone who has never tried it before. I see it as part of my mission: helping people find that courage and start standing up for themselves in work-related situations.

Expand full comment
fenix's avatar

100% and that’s an excellent mission! One which I think people can benefit as most of us are conflict averse

Expand full comment
fenix's avatar

Yep, that is right. No point getting upset about being interrupted either. Best for people to find ways to reclaim their voice when it happens. I think if one can master reclaiming their voice, then it negates the impact of being interrupted and arguably, elevates that persons position (effectively reducing the interrupter to look like a donkey).

I encourage people to use interruption sparingly and thoughtfully as if it is executed poorly, can have adverse effects.

Expand full comment