Ten Tactics for Tough Times: II

Workplace politics is an amorphous mystery to many of us, in part because we lack some simple tools. Here's Part II of a little catalog of ten widely applicable tactics. See "Ten Tactics for Tough Times: I," Point Lookout for February 1, 2006, for more.

Am I solving the right problem?

Even if you solve the problem, your solution might not be useful unless you solve the right problem.

A risk of this tactic is inappropriately assuming responsibility for problem definition. Focus only on the portion of the problem definition space that truly is yours.

What's the smallest piece I can usefully address?

Often what looks unitary from afar is actually composite close up. Once you get into it, you can clearly see its separate parts.

When you can finally discern the pieces, focus on the easy parts. If one of them feels like a good fit, go for it.

Can I get help?

Often what looks
unitary from afar
is actually composite
close up

Asking for help can be difficult if we feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Some like the feeling of independence that comes with control, even if that sense of control is an illusion. See "Are You Taking on the Full Load?," Point Lookout for February 6, 2002, and "Heavy Burdens: Should, Always, Must, and Never," Point Lookout for February 27, 2002, for more.

When ownership of a problem is joint with others, all owners must work together. And even when you own the problem fully, addressing it might be beyond your capability. Ask for help when you need it.

What kind of help would help?

Difficult problems are difficult, in part, because the tools we do know about haven't worked. And when we don't know about something we need, it's hard to ask for it.

When you feel lost, ask someone what kind of help would help. Check in with a mentor, a coach, a colleague, or a friend.

Can I confront?

If the problem results from the actions of another, we sometimes feel the urge to escalate, to force our partners to change what they're doing. But escalation can be dangerous because it might harm the relationship.

Here are two alternatives. First, tell your partner what you want. Explain first what problems you face that might be visible only to you. Alternatively, and even less confrontational — ask for what you want. One possible risk of these tactics: they reveal that you know what's happening, and this knowledge might be used against you.

What do I already know?

Remembering what you already know is perhaps your most important tool. Sadly, under stress, remembering anything can be very difficult.

I remind myself by breathing. It slows me down and clears my mind, probably because oxygen is an aid to clear thinking.

Some of these ten tactics might fit for you. Some might not. Some might almost fit. Select, adjust, and add your own.  Top    Next Issue

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See also Workplace Politics, Problem Solving and Creativity and Managing Your Boss for more related articles.

Forthcoming issues of Point Lookout

Coming April 17: How to Answer When You Don't Know How to Answer

People engaged in knowledge work must often respond to questions that test the limits of their knowledge, or the limits of everyone's knowledge. Responding effectively to such questions advances us all. Available here and by RSS on April 17.

And on April 24: Antipatterns for Time-Constrained Communication: 1

Knowing how to recognize just a few patterns that can lead to miscommunication can be helpful in reducing the incidence of problems. Here is Part 1 of a collection of communication antipatterns that arise in technical communication under time pressure. Available here and by RSS on April 24.

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