Getting Along

Book summary

Amy Gallo is a contributing editor for Harvard Business Review and cohost of the popular podcast Women at Work. She writes extensively about interpersonal dynamics, gender, and effective communication.

Social connections greatly influence perception, as shown by an experiment where paired climbers viewed a hill as less steep than solo climbers. This principle extends to workplace dynamics, where unhappy relationships often lead to reduced productivity and even physical health issues, such as slower healing and stress-related symptoms. To navigate challenging work environments, Viktor Frankl’s insight about the space between stimulus and response offers guidance. Begin by examining your reactions—are you focusing on negatives while ignoring positives? Reframe situations to see them as opportunities rather than threats. If difficult relationships persist, identify problematic individuals, limit interactions, and document patterns if avoidance isn’t possible. Avoid retaliating, shaming, or suppressing emotions, and instead, focus on what you can control. Surround yourself with supportive colleagues, foster positivity, practice self-compassion, and spend time with people you enjoy outside of work.

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