Page 27 - July2017

Someone Is

Out To

Get You

Count On It

By John Graham

Most of us work at finding ways to do a better job, Those who want to do too much. Smart and capable,
advance in a career, and become more successful. That’s they’re up for any challenge that’s handed to them. You
commendable, but we may differ on how to go about can count on them to do a good job and do it quickly.
getting there. While most are straightforward, tackling one Without knowing it, they can also create dissention among
challenge after another, others do it differently and their team members who resent having a “star” in their midst.
actions leave marks that affect our success.
Those who always misunderstand. It seems as if not getting
Most of us can’t choose our co-workers, team members, something the way it was intended is a character trait
or business associates. Nonetheless, we can avoid being with some people. No matter how clear the instructions
blindsided by those who, often unintentionally, would or how detailed the discussion, someone always comes
throw us off course. Here is what to look for: up with, “But I thought....” It isn’t so much that they see
things differently as it is “reinterpreting” them so they’re
Those who act too quickly. In school, they raced to get comfortable with them.
a seat in the front row and their hands went always up
first when the teacher asked a question, even though they Those who are brain pickers. “I’m kind of stuck. Could you
didn’t know the answer. Some never stop raising their hand give me some ideas?” they say. You can count on it. Some
first. They’re enthusiastic, but they can cause trouble by not are just plain lazy, but others, lacking self-confidence, feel
take time to think things through. free to take from others, and adding nothing of their own.

Those who lack flexibility. We admire those who stand by Those who are unendingly late. Whether it’s getting to
their beliefs and don’t give in even when it could help to meetings or completing assignments, some people are
bend a little. Yet, rigidity can create roadblocks that thwart always late. It doesn’t appear to bother them that others
discussion and lead to hostility. depend on them and that being out of step is disruptive.

Those who rush to get it done. They plough right in, Those who make up their own rules. In the past, there
ignoring even the most obvious red flags. They never ask may have been more room for outliers, those who “march
questions, refuse help, and never think through tasks before to a different drummer,” or “do their own thing.” But
moving forward. They leave a trail of trouble behind them not so much in an interdependent and collaborative
for others to clean up. work environment that depends on communication,
coordination, and cooperation.
Those who never quite finish. Whatever the task, they drag
it out (usually accompanied by questionable excuses). Those who set their own limits. Whenever they’re asked to
Then, when the deadline passes, they want more time to take on an assignment, meet a critical deadline, or make
“check one more thing,” while co-workers are left waiting. some accommodation, 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.
continued...

july 2017 insight 27