It’s happened to all of us at one time or another in organizational life; we’ve been dealt a bad hand and have had to suffer the negative consequences of a decision that someone else has made.
A decision we had no input in; one that was not in our best interest. One that set us back and removes privileges we worked hard and long to earn.
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You’re not about to change the decision; you either have to live with it or leave and find opportunities elsewhere.
Here’s how you might be able to stay and live with it.
1. Do your research on why the decision was taken. What elements of the organization’s strategic plan drove the decision? What does the overall good look like? Is the intent to increase market share? Improve profitability? Refine business processes to streamline customer service?
The strategic objective is the context to evaluate your particular concerns. It provides a higher level explanation of why you are being screwed over. Remember it’s nothing personal; you are necessary collateral damage. It won’t necessarily make you agree with the decision taken, but at least it will enable you to understand why it was reached.
2. Always keep the long term first and foremost in mind. Short term set backs are a way of life for individuals who choose organizational life. Your immediate misfortune does not represent the end of your career.
The good news is that you will have more chances.
3. Show your resiliency. Be that person who can take the punch, move on and continue to make a valuable contribution to the goals of the organization. Stand apart from others who choose to stay in defensive retreat and be a victim.
Your immediate misfortune may be an opportunity in disguise.
4. Seek guidance from a mentor who has, no doubt, experienced similar issues in their time. Express your feelings, ask for advice and listen.
5. Keep your mouth shut! Go to your ‘cave’ and think before you go public with your opinion of the decision. It’s always tempting and hard to resist, but avoid the acrimonious conversations with colleagues about how badly you’ve been treated.
The uncontrolled reaction generally results in saying things you will regret. You don’t want your personal brand to be tainted with winer and sniveler; it will hold you back once the ‘crisis’ has past (and it will pass).
Accept the fact that ‘they’ will do you an injustice sooner or later and if you treat the event as a learning opportunity it will serve you well in your career.
Featured Image Credits: markbelciug via Flickr
Roy Osing (@royosing) is a former President of TELUS and Current president and CEO of the consulting firm Brilliance for Business, with over 33 years of leadership experience covering all the major business functions including business strategy, marketing, sales, customer service and people development. He is a blogger, content marketer, educator, coach, adviser and the author of the book series Be Different or Be Dead.
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