People pleasing may seem harmless, but it often leads to feelings of resentment and overwhelm. The general difference between people pleasing and authentic kindness is that the former is motivated by a need for approval or the fear of rejection, while the latter is driven by heartfelt altruism and does not rely on an expected return. In the long run, people pleasing may lead to burnout and a loss of self-identity. Recognizing the characteristic signs is the first step towards change. Here are the four common people pleasing behaviors to look out for at work:
1. Overcommitting
Saying “yes” to projects even when you’re already overwhelmed
2. Immediate Response
Dropping everything to attend to requests right away
3. Avoiding Conflict
Staying silent during meetings to avoid disagreements or rocking the boat
4. Need for Approval
Relying on the opinions of your boss and colleagues to feel valued
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