Help Wanted Podcast Summary

Episode: "Do People Not Like Working With Me? Help!"
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Host: Jason Pfeiffer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine
Guest: Jenny Wood, Former Google Executive and Author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It

Introduction

In this insightful episode of Help Wanted, hosted by Jason Pfeiffer of Money News Network, the focus is on addressing workplace interpersonal challenges—specifically, concerns about whether colleagues enjoy working with you. Jenny Wood, a seasoned executive from Google and the author of the transformative book Wild Courage, joins Jason to share her personal experiences and provide actionable advice on fostering positive work relationships.

The Challenge: Perceived Difficulties in Working Relationships

The episode kicks off with a pressing question from a listener: "Do people not like working with me?" Jenny Wood steps in to narrate her own encounter that led her to introspect about her professional demeanor and its impact on her collaborations.

[03:36] Jenny Wood:
"I have a newsletter that I write every week, and it became the bane of my existence... I was barely keeping my head above water."

The Story: A Misunderstanding with a Service Provider

Jenny recounts a pivotal moment when she sought the expertise of Lauren Kinney, a reputed email newsletter ghostwriter. Despite Lauren's esteemed reputation, Jenny's initial interactions were fraught with missteps—being late to meetings and appearing disorganized—culminating in Lauren deciding not to work with her.

[07:14] Jenny Wood:
"Lauren, did I push you too hard on the price?... she just don't think you would value me."
[08:20] Lauren Kinney:
"I cannot do this deal with you because I don't think you would value me."

This candid feedback was both shocking and enlightening for Jenny, prompting her to delve deeper into understanding how her behavior may have been inadvertently off-putting.

The Impact of Feedback and Self-Reflection

Jason and Jenny delve into the significance of receiving honest feedback and the emotional turmoil it can cause. Jenny describes her initial mortification and subsequent determination to rectify her approach.

[10:51] Jenny Wood:
"Lauren is considerably younger than I am... to have the confidence to share it, I was shocked."

Strategies for Effective Communication and Relationship Building

Through her experiences, Jenny emphasizes the importance of:

1. Asking for Feedback:
   Jenny shares another instance where she solicited feedback immediately after offering a job, revealing that her intimidating demeanor was a barrier.

   [14:17] Jenny Wood:
   "I offered her the role... I'm curious, do you have any feedback on me as an interviewer?"
   [14:27] Jenny Wood:
   "I almost didn't want to take the job because you were really intimidating."

2. Being Open to Constructive Criticism:
   Embracing feedback as a tool for personal and professional growth is crucial. Jenny highlights Google's culture of continuous feedback, which shaped her openness.

3. Taking Calculated Risks:
   Jenny advocates for boldness in addressing issues head-on, likening it to building a muscle that strengthens over time.

   [25:40] Jenny Wood:
   "Be bold, take the risk, say the thing that's on your mind. Rationalization is a weapon so powerful it should require a background check."

4. Building Psychological Safety:
   Creating an environment where team members feel safe to express honest opinions fosters stronger, more collaborative relationships.

Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence

Jenny discusses how pushing past the fear of confrontation can lead to deeper, more meaningful professional relationships. By addressing issues directly, individuals can prevent long-term resentment and misunderstanding.

[30:36] Jenny Wood:
"Push past that fear, you find joy and success on the other side. It's all about pushing past fear."

Real-World Application: Jenny's Success Post-Feedback

Despite the rocky start, Jenny managed to mend and strengthen her professional relationship with Lauren Kinney over the course of a year, demonstrating the long-term benefits of confronting and resolving interpersonal issues.

[24:30] Jenny Wood:
"Lauren and I have been working together now for almost a year, and she's unbelievable. We have the best possible working relationship."

Additional Anecdote: Providing Feedback to Senior Leadership

Jenny shares another instance where she boldly provided feedback to a senior leader at Google, which initially seemed risky but ultimately led to enhanced mentorship and significant career advancements.

[32:17] Jenny Wood:
"He responded well... by being bold, by being confident, by taking a calculated risk... it created so much success for my career."

Key Takeaways

1. Solicit and Embrace Feedback: Actively seeking feedback can uncover blind spots and pave the way for personal growth.
2. Communicate Transparently: Honest and direct communication builds trust and respect in professional relationships.
3. Take Calculated Risks: Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to valuable opportunities and stronger collaborations.
4. Foster a Culture of Psychological Safety: Encourage an environment where team members feel safe to express their thoughts and feedback.

Conclusion

Jenny Wood's experiences underscore the transformative power of honest communication and the courage to seek and accept feedback. By addressing her perceived shortcomings head-on, she not only improved her professional relationships but also advanced her career, reinforcing the episode's central theme: the importance of effective interpersonal skills in the workplace.

Notable Quotes:

• Jenny Wood [07:14]: "Lauren, did I push you too hard on the price?... she just don't think you would value me."
• Jenny Wood [14:17]: "I almost didn't want to take the job because you were really intimidating."
• Jenny Wood [25:40]: "Be bold, take the risk, say the thing that's on your mind. Rationalization is a weapon so powerful it should require a background check."
• Jenny Wood [30:36]: "Push past that fear, you find joy and success on the other side."

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It by Jenny Wood
• Company: Google
• Service Provider: Lauren Kinney, Email Newsletter Ghostwriter

For more insights and solutions to your work-related challenges, reach out to Help Wanted at helpwanted@moneynewsnetwork.com.