Most of us work at finding ways to do a better job, advance in a career and become more successful. That’s commendable, but we may differ on how to go about getting there. While most are straightforward, tackling one challenge after another, others do it differently and their actions leave marks that affect our success.
Most of us can’t choose our co-workers, team members or business associates. Nonetheless, we can avoid being blindsided by those who, often unintentionally, would throw us off course. Here is what to look for:
Those who act too quickly. In school, they raced to get a seat in the front row and their hands always went up first when the teacher asked a question, even though they didn’t know the answer. Some never stop raising their hand first. They’re enthusiastic, but they can cause trouble by not taking time to think things through.
Those who lack flexibility. Rigidity can create roadblocks that thwart discussion and lead to hostility.
Those who rush to get it done. They plough right in, ignoring even the most obvious red flags. They never ask questions, refuse help and never think through tasks before moving forward. They leave a trail of trouble behind them for others to clean up.
Those who are unendingly late. Whether it’s getting to meetings or completing assignments, some people are always late. It doesn’t appear to bother them that others depend on them and that being out of step is disruptive.
Those who want to do too much. Smart and capable, they’re up for any challenge that’s handed to them. You can count on them to do a good job and do it quickly. Without knowing it, they can also create dissention among team members who resent having a “star” in their midst.
Those who always misunderstand. It seems as if not getting something the way it was intended is a character trait with some people. It isn’t so much that they see things differently as it is “reinterpreting” them so they’re comfortable with them.
Those who are brain pickers. “I’m kind of stuck. Could you give me some ideas?” they say. You can count on it. Some are just plain lazy, but others, lacking self-confidence, feel free to take from others, and add nothing of their own.
Those who make up their own rules. In the past, there may have been more room for outliers, those who “march to a different drummer,” or “do their own thing.” But not so much in an interdependent and collaborative work environment.
Those who set their own limits. Whenever they’re asked to take on an assignment, they always have too much on their plate, while others find time to get the job done. Their plates may be too small for the job.
Those who are always right. They may not know the right questions to ask, but they never run short on having the right answers. Their favorite spot is standing outside the circle and criticizing.
Those who always see flaws. Uncovering flaws is a useful skill for improving the quality of our work. But some flaw-finding can be self-serving when it’s used to improve one’s position by embarrassing or attacking others.
Those who don’t think things through. Pushing things through rather than thinking them through is dangerous.
Those who see only through their own eyes. No matter how vigorously denied, we’re all held in the clutches of biases that color our picture of the world. It’s the stuff that causes some to misunderstand and righteously reject ideas and actions that differ from their own.
While most of those we encounter throughout our careers are helpful and supportive, there are others whose actions can cause us trouble. So, what’s the best way to avoid being blindsided and hurt?
Stay alert and remember, someone is out to get you. Count on it.
John Graham of GrahamComm is a marketing and sales strategy consultant and business writer. Contact him at jgraham@grahamcomm.com or johnrgraham.com.