How do ACoA traits impact work performance and relationships?

How do ACoA traits impact work performance and relationships?

There is also the Laundry List for ACoAs at work. The dysfunction in the family system can easily pass over into the new “work family” system. Bosses can be confused for parents and co-workers can be confused for siblings. Boundaries can be blurry and ACoAs may have a hard time saying “No” to certain projects and may want to please bosses and co-workers while undermining their own needs and professional growth.

Working through the ACoA Work Laundry List, an ACoA may start to set boundaries at work. They may begin to see their accomplishments as pleasing to themselves and less worried about the opinion of others, especially authority figures and superiors. They may start to focus on their own needs, professional growth, financial stability and becoming an expert in their field.

Many ACoAs can often struggle with Imposter Syndrome at work, feeling self-doubt and insecurity, not being able to take accurate note of accomplishments and skill-building. They are often taking their childhood feelings into the workplace. Since they have a hard time understanding what “normal” is at work and being able to solidly assess who they are and what they are capable of, they can often feel on shaky ground at work.

With therapy and support, they may be able to begin to challenge their fixed beliefs about themselves professionally and take in a more accurate view of themselves on the job. They might also begin to learn new skills to use in the workplace to deal with authority figures and co-workers.