Dear GameChangers:
What are some of the worst things a person can say in a work setting?
All the Very Best,
Lalita Amos
Total Team Solutions
Setting aside the volumes of sexually graphic or suggestive, offensive, uncouth, uninteresting, drunken, gossipy, charmless, and downright stupid things people are capable of saying in a work setting…there are volumes more composed of statements made every day in workplaces the world over that masquerade as helpful but are actually unproductive or counter-productive. These constitute their own category of ‘Bad’. Here are three of the more insidious that come to mind:
“That’s not how we do things around here.” This implies that “we all do things the same way.’ In today’s workplace, it is the uniqueness of our contribution that creates differentiation, innovation and ultimately, wealth. You don’t want behaviors so different that they become un-moored from the company’s culture — wearing pajama tops to a law firm is behavior you’ll only see on Boston Legal. But it is good to remember that digressive or disruptive or novel behavior can often be productive behavior.
“If it were up to me, we’d do it, but it’s not up to me.” This is the favorite line of the non-supporter who wants to appear supportive. “I’m behind you but not when it counts.” “I believe in you as long as it doesn’t cost me anything.” That’s what you’re really saying. Our ability and willingness to support the ideas and initiatives of others is a large measure of our value as employees. When we are not, or cannot be, supportive, we can be more productive by dealing with the reality of that (”I don’t think this will fly and here’s why…”) than with some theoretical situation (”If I were in charge around here…”).that does not exist.
“Yes.” Saying yes without adding action (i.e. saying “Yes and…”) is the equivalent of saying nothing. It does not move the scene forward. It is acquiescing without participating. It can also constitute judging or rubber-stamping — neither of which is a productive behavior. For a business scene to be as productive as it can potentially be, it is not enough for the participants to say “Yes” without adding something to the dialogue. It is the “and” that makes the difference, keeps the scene alive, collaborative, and moving toward its objective. Saying “yes” a lot may get you a reputation as a positive person, but it does not get the job done.
Thanks for asking the question, Lalita.
Mike
Tags: Behavior, Dear GameChangers, Issues, Productivity, Questions, Yes And