Have you ever made a comment in a meeting that was met with silence? A silence that felt like hours, and you had no option but to wait for that awkward moment to be over? We’ve all been there. But having awkward moments at work doesn't have to be a bad thing. In fact, this week's guest says we can use those good awkward moments to make us more human and, therefore, more beloved as managers.

Today’s guest is Henna Pryor. She is a highly sought-after Workplace Performance Expert and an award-winning two-time TEDx and global keynote speaker, author, and coach. Her clients call her their “secret weapon for impossible change,” an honor she wears proudly. She’s known for her science-backed approach to improving the performance, habits, and actions of hungry high achievers – in her fun, no-nonsense, no-jargon way – to move them from their first level of success to their next one. Her highly acclaimed book, Good Awkward, launched on September 26th and was a recipient of the prestigious Kirkus Star for excellence in writing.

In this episode, Henna and I talk about all things awkward: what it is, why we should embrace it, and what to do in an awkward situation if you're embarrassed or because of someone else.

She also shares some tips on how to get comfortable with awkwardness, how awkwardness isn’t the same as ineptitude, and so much more.

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Conversation Topics

(00:00) Intro
(02:27) What is awkwardness?
(04:01) Where awkwardness shows up in workplaces
(06:07) What is GOOD awkward?
(08:39) The three ways we relate to awkwardness
(10:27) How others perceive us when we have those awkward moments
(12:43) An example of what happens when you let your guard down and get past that awkward moment
(15:50) The difference between awkwardness and ineptitude
(17:55) What do we do in awkward situations - if we’re the one who feels awkward or if we feel it for the other person?
(21:21) A story on embracing good awkwardness
(27:44) A great manager Henna has worked for
(29:46) Keep up with Henna
(31:37) [Extended Episode Only] What to do around awkward people
(37:16) [Extended Episode Only] Tips on how to reduce awkwardness when meeting new people at an event

Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Read the related blog article here

- Follow me on Instagram here

- Visit my website for more here

Connect with Henna:

- Follow Henna on LinkedIn here

- Follow Henna on Instagram here

- Check out her book here

Giveaway: 3 Signed Copies of “Good Awkward”

Awkwardness isn’t a weakness to fix – it’s your greatest asset for professional and personal growth. Members of The Modern Manager community have a chance to win 1 of 3 copies of Henna Pryor’s book, “Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become the Bravest You.” We’ll even throw in some bonus stickers!

Bulk Book Discount on “Good Awkward”

Members of The Modern Manager community can get a bulk discount on orders of 25 or more of Henna Pryor’s book. The discount amount depends on the number of books you order.

Get these amazing book giveaways, book discounts, and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

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276: How to Survive Awkward Moments at Work with Henna Pryor

The Modern Manager

276: How to Survive Awkward Moments at Work with Henna Pryor