Navigating Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) on your team.
RSD is closely associated with ADHD and Autism but I have a sense it’s much more commonplace…
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is not commonly discussed in professional circles, yet it has a significant impact on many individuals, including those in the workplace. As a manager in Customer Success, fostering a healthy team environment is paramount. Understanding and navigating RSD (both your own and colleges’) is crucial to ensuring the well-being and productivity of your team members. Here are some insights and tips on addressing RSD in work relationships:
Educate Yourself on RSD:
RSD is an intense emotional response caused by the perception—not necessarily the reality—of being rejected, teased, or criticised by important people in one's life. Understanding this can provide context to seemingly disproportionate reactions.
Open Communication:
If a team member has disclosed their struggle with RSD, make it a point to regularly check in. Foster an environment where they feel safe expressing their feelings and concerns.
Feedback with Care:
Knowing that RSD can make individuals exceptionally sensitive to criticism, frame feedback positively. Focus on growth and solutions, not just what went wrong. Also understand some of us have done a lot of work to ensure our robustness, ask how someone would prefer to receive feedback.
Validate Emotions:
While it's not about agreeing all the time, it's about understanding. Saying, "I understand why you might feel this way," can make all the difference.
Avoid Surprises:
Unexpected feedback or last-minute changes can trigger RSD. Whenever possible, provide advanced notice or context about changes or discussions.
Establish Clear Expectations: Ambiguity can exacerbate feelings of insecurity. By setting clear, measurable expectations, you can reduce potential areas of stress for team members.
Promote Peer Support:
Encourage team building and peer mentorship. Having allies in the workplace can significantly mitigate feelings of isolation or rejection.
Encourage Professional Help:
If you notice a team member struggling consistently, encourage them to seek professional help. Therapists and counselors can provide coping mechanisms tailored to the individual's needs.
Flexibility is Key:
Understand that on some days, RSD might take a toll. If feasible, allowing a flexible work schedule and remote work can help in managing high-stress days.
Be Patient:
Recognise that everyone has their own battles, and RSD is a particularly challenging one. Express patience, provide reassurance, and be a pillar of support for your team.
In conclusion, the corporate world doesn't often delve deep into personal emotional struggles, but as leaders and colleagues, it's crucial to acknowledge and address them. RSD is real, and understanding it is the first step in creating a supportive work environment. Building strong relationships based on trust and empathy will not only support those with RSD but also foster a more compassionate, inclusive workplace for everyone.