What is defensive behavior in the workplace?

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Defensive behavior in the workplace happens when the perception of being threatened pushes someone to develop habits and mechanisms to protect themselves. Perfectionism, suppression of authenticity, negative vices, and the tendency to avoid difficult situations are all common defensive behaviors.

How do you deal with a defensive coworker?

Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you provide criticism.

Don’t Forget to Praise.
Do Emphasize Your Intention to Be Helpful.
Don’t Criticize Reactions.
Do React With Understanding and Compassion.
Don’t Escalate the Situation.
Do Be Open to a Conversation.
Don’t Criticize in Public.
Do Pay Attention to Time and Place.

What is considered defensive behavior?

Defensive behaviors are a group of evolved responses to threat. They include flight, freezing, defensive threat, defensive attack, and risk assessment. The type of defensive behavior elicited in a particular situation depends on features of both the threat and the situation.

What does it mean when someone gets defensive?

When a person is acting defensive, they’re trying to protect or justify themselves. People who are insecure or guilty tend to act defensive. Also, defensive players in football try to prevent the other side from scoring, just like defensive military strategies try to protect something.

Why do people get defensive workplace?

Summary: Research has shown that defensiveness in response to wrongdoing is exacerbated by making the wrong doer feel like they’re an outcast. Defensive behaviours are common responses when people feel personally attacked but can undermine our ability to identify problems and find solutions.

How do you communicate with a defensive person?

Here are several steps that can help you become more emotionally intelligent when dealing with defensive people:

Refrain from reacting defensively.
Shift your focus to the other person.
Ask questions until you understand them.
Move toward a resolution.

What causes defensive behavior?

Why do employees become defensive?

When feedback triggers defensiveness, it is often because the feedback brings up feelings of sadness, hurt, shame, anger, or being misunderstood. Defensiveness might present as a response to what you’re saying in the moment, but often has very deep roots.

What are signs of being defensive?

6 Signs That Defensiveness Is Getting the Better of You.

You’re always on the lookout for signs of exclusion.

Your first instinct is to distrust someone’s motivations.

You read ambiguity into situations and then obsess about them.

You don’t entirely trust your own feelings and thoughts, but you act on them anyway.

What triggers defensiveness?

People don’t like to viewed negatively. If there is a chance they will be seen as incompetent, negative, uncooperative, or unsupportive, they will respond defensively when confronted. This is a common reaction. Every one of us wants to put our best self forward.

What is defensiveness in communication?

Defensive communication is a communicative behavior that occurs within relationships, work environments, and social groups when an individual reacts in a defensive manner in response to a self-perceived flaw or a threat from outsiders.

How do you stop defensive behavior?

How to Not Be Defensive

Know your triggers and anticipate them.
Give it a name.
Assume good intentions.
Don’t take it personally.
Adopt a growth mindset.
Exercise self-compassion.

Also, the contrast in the actions will likely draw attention to the defensive behavior, providing an opportunity for the defensive coworker to see what it is they are doing and make a change. As you ask the “right questions” as discussed above, remember to do so with a kind tone.

How can individual counseling help with defensiveness?

Individual counseling can help you learn what’s behind your defensiveness. Your counselor can also help you develop strategies for decreasing your defensive behavior. You may also need to work on building up your self-esteem. If you feel comfortable with who you are, you’re less likely to feel threatened when someone else doesn’t.

Do you have defensive behavior at work?

Defensive behavior at work is something we all have to deal with, and it doesn’t only come from bosses or those in positions of power. The morning janitor, your project partner, an assistant, anyone can be defensive. Despite being common in the workplace, defensiveness is not something that’s easy to deal with.

How to deal with people who get defensive around you?

Allow no reason for someone to get defensive by looking at your own actions and making sure you are thorough, honest and concise when interacting with colleagues and clients. Also, be aware of your tone and what words you use.