writing

How to Work With Asshole Creatives and Not Lose Your Sanity

Photo by Braxton Apana on Unsplash

Sometimes it happens that you land a dream creative project. The only problem is that some people on set or in the dance studio are hell-bent on taking out their insecurities on everyone in sight, you included. What do you do?

1. Smile. Learn how to cultivate your own warm energy field. You can do it.

2. Know why you’re there and what your tasks are. You’re not there to marry them, so focus on what creative ideas you can bring to the table.

3. Don’t take it personally. Know that their lashing out is a projection of their own issues. Imagine it’s rolling off you like water off a duck’s back.

4. If you can focus on making sure others are having an OK time. Focusing on where you can be helpful cultivates more positivity on set.

5. Remember that someone was probably horrible to them and taught them this is the way to achieve great things.

6. Try to feel your intuition about when to push back and when to be diplomatic.

7. Ask them for advice or to help you – this trick sometimes makes a jerk really act better.

8. Think of this as an experience that will strengthen your nerves and expand your toolkit with valuable insight on how NOT to do things.

9. At the end of the day vent to a friend, but try not to badmouth the name of the person.

10. Be kind to yourself and check in often. If you’re feeling the situation is too toxic, step away.

Sticky Notes Lesson #4: Fight Club by Cole Schafer

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