Anyone who has been ostracized at work — left out of meetings or important email threads, looked over for a committee position, or ignored when making suggestions — knows how painful it can be. Don’t ruminate alone about the situation; that will only make you feel worse. Reach out to people. Talk to trusted coworkers who know the situation. Perhaps there’s an explanation: For example, maybe you weren’t invited to that meeting simply because you’re low on the totem pole. Consider whether there’s anyone else that is also getting the cold shoulder (does Joan tend to ignore Alejandro in meetings too?). Talk to them and see if your stories match up. You’ll feel validated if they do, and you may realize that the issue lies more with Joan than with you. Lastly, find people who do value your contributions and spend more time with them. Positive social interactions go a long way toward repairing your self-worth and confidence.
Adapted from "What to Do When a Colleague Excludes You," by Sandra L. Robinson and Kira Schabram
