Work comment

[AmyFl]

I had a colleague at work today describe me as "too rigid". I had exactly the same comment from a colleague in a previous job! I'm not really sure what they meant but I guess if two of them have said it there must be some truth in it. Does anyone know what they would have meant?

Inflexible, your way or no way. In what situation did they say it?

Resistant to change, unwilling to be flexible

Too set in your ways, unwilling to be open to other ideas. Depends what the context was...

Both were in arguments. But how can I be more flexible? I guess at work I do always do my tasks in the same order, is it that sort of thing? I thought I was just being organised. 😔. I don't really want to change.

Does your rigidity impact them?

Usually it means you're resistant to change, and not particularly open to considering other approaches to the one you consider the correct one.

I guess it indirectly affects them because I don't really talk at work. I like to find the most competent way of doing things if that makes sense? I find that a fun challenge.

I guess I sound a bit sad but I just think that work is for working.

Why are you in “arguments” with your colleagues?

I think the odd argument is normal, I've probably had three in my whole working life.

If “doing tasks in the same order” means something like always having a break at 11am even if something urgent comes up one day that needs dealing with there and then - that for example might be a bit rigid.

Sorry no idea how that star appeared, it was supposed to be a

Depends what you mean by argument. Exchange of views where you don’t agree, yes normal and I wouldn’t consider an argument.

always do my tasks in the same order, is it that sort of thing? I thought I was just being organised. 😔. I don't really want to change.

There's your definition of too rigid right there!!

That does sound a bit like me, Puppy. I guess I like to know where I'm at.

I see what you mean Knight.

If in an argument with a work colleague and they call you 'too rigid' that suggests you lack empathy and stick to your point because you are 'right' rather than thinking about your impact on other people. Pig headed is a synonym.

FWIW I've never had an argument at work (lively discussions sure, but nothing that results in personal insults being thrown about). If someone senior were to shout at me I'd either walk away because they were a bully (we're not the kind of company where managers shout at their staff). I've had people junior to me shout at me, the first response is always to calm them down and later discipline the unprofessional behaviour.