They're out there? they look like people you know, but they're different. Someone has sucked out their brains and turned them into mindless oafs. They are dangers to society, dangers to your work environment, and dangers to themselves. But the most troubling fact is that they are in charge! They are making business decisions that affect your livelihood and you don't know what to do. Help is here!
Normally, when things go crazy most people turn to their supervisors or managers. But what do you do when the problem and the first source for assistance are one in the same?
1. Check your emotions. Emotional responses seldom solve problems. Locate a co-worker (a sane one, if possible) and vent your emotions. Redirecting your anger or frustration away from the person who can terminate your employment is a wise thing to do.
2. Sort out the details. List the issues you are facing and prioritize the list from most important to least important. Then work from the bottom of the list eliminating issues that aren't worth the fight. Ask, "Is fighting for this issue worth the potential consequences, such as jeopardizing my job?" If the answer is not a resounding, "YES!" eliminate the issue.
3. Organize your thoughts. Once you have identified the critical issues, get a pad of sticky notes and begin to write individual thoughts pertaining to each issue. Then organize the thoughts under each issue from strongest to weakest. Eliminate any statements that cannot be substantiated. What you want are straight-forward statements that lead to a solution. Building your case on assumptions and hearsay will be more destructive than constructive.
4. Rehearse your argument. Some thoughts are difficult to communicate, so practice saying what you intend to say. You might discover that your argument is clear in your head but stated in a confusing way. Enlist a neutral party to listen to your statements and to provide feedback or ask for clarification.
5. Be positive. A full frontal attack will put most anyone on the defensive, so approach the conversation with respect and a positive attitude. In addition to identifying the problem, offer to be a part of the solution. Ask for the privilege of helping develop a solution to the problem. A positive attitude will keep the conversation calm and prevent emotion from overtaking the thought process in which you engaged.
6. Accept the outcome. Realize up front that things might not go your way. Be satisfied with your effort to offer a solution. You can't control how other people respond; you can only control your reaction--and that can be a struggle sometimes! Many managers need time for suggestions to simmer. You might be surprised to see your suggestions incorporated into a future action.
7. Maintain confidentiality. One of the worst things you can do is leave the meeting and start telling everyone what took place. Show respect for your manager and your employer even if it requires biting your tongue. If you are so miserable that all you can do is complain, do everyone a favor and find another job! If you're the type of person who demands your way, chances are you'll find something wrong with every job and every boss!
There's no doubt that we find ourselves in frustrating situations having to implement plans that seem doomed from the start. Sometimes we reject ideas because of our disrespect for the person who generated the idea. We need to make sure that the person in the mirror isn't the real problem! Think about it!
Dr. Terry Hadaway is an author, editor, university professor, and conference leader. He is the author of 30 Seconds to Chaos: Mastering the Art of "What If" Thinking, and numerous articles. His is considered by many to be a leading authority on adult education and is a gifted communicator. For more information visit http://www.thinkezine.com.
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..Cheri decided that she wanted to grow an apple tree... Read More
Emotions have the tendency to take over our actions and... Read More
Recently, a dear friend who has been both a coach... Read More
There are times that we encounter fearful thoughts that can... Read More
An Attitude of Gratitude. How important is this to you... Read More
Need a way to make your life a better place... Read More
When you change your thoughts, you change your life. The... Read More
Just 2 nights ago my partner and I were watching... Read More
Believe me, today is the most wonderful day of your... Read More
I'm a working mother with a preschooler, worrying about Mom... Read More
Last time we talked about how to begin building the... Read More
You want to change your self-care habits and you can't... Read More
The mind absolutely amazes me. It will never be understood,... Read More
How are you? That's a loaded question, and I'll tell... Read More
Everyone of us has the potential to successfully more through... Read More
In talking with a coaching client recently, she made a... Read More
You may be facing a type of disappointment, frustration, loss,... Read More
Our thoughts define who we are. They can make us... Read More
People with negative attitudes may wonder why they never achieve... Read More
The others in the raft didn't seem to share Eddie's... Read More
There was someone I used to work with who, well... Read More
Satisfaction 100% guaranteed or your money back! That was the... Read More
So, do you love yourself?Shouldn't really be a difficult question... Read More
As a trainer of coaches I often teach my students... Read More
The way we use language can have a huge impact... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..It is widely believed that just anybody has the intrinsic... Read More
It started out as a windy, rainy day. A tropical... Read More
The other day I bought an unusual piece of software:... Read More
When you have a case of FABS, it may be... Read More
Turn negative thoughts into positive ones.Negative thoughts can be very... Read More
Ever had one of those mothers, or grandmothers, who would... Read More
For most of us our lives are a problem which... Read More
We are all involved in this game called life and... Read More
Aging is a matter of the mind.The years may creep... Read More
"Work on your career and you'll make a living. Work... Read More
Emotions are controlled by a combination of reason and action.... Read More
The power of positive thoughts to affect one's experience of... Read More
As a financial economist my motivation has long been to... Read More
When I teach private Yoga sessions, sometimes, I become aware... Read More
You got up today to go to work, to come... Read More
Part 1Recently, in a women's therapy group that I run,... Read More
When I was a young man, even a teenager for... Read More
When you feel lost and confused, it is easy to... Read More
Attitude, has a way of preening itself, often without awareness... Read More
Whether it's the other kids making fun of you at... Read More
I get emails and questions from people all the time... Read More
It sounds a little masochistic, but I actually appreciate being... Read More
Drinking damages the soul; being lustful damages the vitality; greed... Read More
Looking around at our circumstances we may see only mountains... Read More
The way we use language can have a huge impact... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |