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Mindful Monday

  • Catherine Addor
  • Aug 11
  • 1 min read
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Purposeful Professionalism


If we are honest, we can admit work isn’t a friendship club. You will, at some point, have to work with someone you don’t particularly like. That’s not a failure of the team; it’s a reality of being human. The good news? Professionalism doesn’t require personal affection.


Purposeful professionalism means showing up with intention, respect, and focus regardless of personal feelings. It’s about keeping the shared mission at the center, making decisions based on the work, and maintaining a steady, respectful tone in your interactions. When personalities clash, purpose becomes your compass.


A few mindful moves for working with people you don’t like:


  • Anchor in the mission: Focus conversations and decisions on shared goals.

  • Set boundaries, not barriers: Be clear about expectations while keeping communication open.

  • Choose your energy: Control your tone, pace, and words; don’t mirror negativity.

  • Look for neutral ground: Find one point of agreement and start there.

  • Detach without disengaging: Participate fully in the work while keeping personal emotions in check.


Professionalism is a choice, not a personality trait. When you practice it with purpose, you protect your energy, model mature collaboration, and move the work forward even when harmony feels out of reach.


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