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what’s getting in the way. If you think you might be missing something, take a step back. Look at the
situation from a range of perspectives: yours, theirs, and that of an objective observer. Think about
multiple ways to get the same outcome. Use the insights you gain to give yourself some advice about
what to do differently. For example, to push a decision through, you could meet with stakeholders
first, go to a single key stakeholder, study and present the problem to a group, call a problem-solving
session, or call in an outside expert. Be prepared to do them all when obstacles arise. Persevere. Go
back a second, third, or fourth time if you have to.

4. Path blocked at every turn? Learn to navigate the maze. Organizations can be complex mazes.
Full of obstacles, with many turns and dead ends. Even worse, organizations are staffed with people,
which makes it more complex. Egos. Gatekeepers. Resisters. The best path to get something done
may not be direct. The formal organization works only some of the time. Most of the time, the informal
organization runs the show. To overcome obstacles and drive things through, you have to know how
to work the maze. Be prepared to tread new paths. Learn the informal organization. Identify the key
players, especially the gatekeepers and the traffic controllers. Maybe the best way to approach
someone is through someone else. Maybe you have to work on your timing. Be patient with process.
Things sometimes take time. People need to be ready to move. When is the best time to approach
someone for a decision or an action? Ask others the best way to get things done in this organization.
Watch others. What path do they follow?

Want to learn more? Take a deep dive…

Hannon, K. (2012, December 26). 6 Key steps for career resilience. Forbes.
Ireland, K. (2013, August 16). How to show self-confidence tips & tricks. Livestrong.
Wakeman, C. (2009, June 8). A guide to dealing with resistant employees. Fast Company.

5. React defensively when criticized? Respond constructively instead. There will always be people
who are quick to criticize. To point out what you’ve done wrong. Tell you how something should be
done differently. Sometimes it’s well intended; sometimes it isn’t. But, as Aristotle once said, the only
way to avoid criticism is “…by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” Resist your natural
impulse to react defensively. This is rarely a wise or productive move. It’s emotionally driven and
likely to make your critic feel attacked. It could escalate into conflict. Learn to respond instead by
staying calm and pausing. Listen to and think about what you’re hearing. Treat it as information, even
if you don’t agree with it or feel hurt. Accept you have flaws and that sometimes it’s helpful to have
these pointed out to you. Be open to the fact that others may be right. Pay attention to any quality
feedback that is being given. Focus on what you can learn. Apply constructive thinking. If the criticism
feels unjust, ask your critic to repeat their viewpoint. Listen carefully. You may spot that it’s based on
a misunderstanding or different perspective. Work with them to straighten things out. When you
choose your response, you are taking control of the situation and of your emotions. You’ll make better
choices about what you do with the information.

6. Trying to do too much? Regain your balance. Being pulled in multiple directions? Managing
conflicting demands? Lost your sense of priority? Trying to make everyone happy? Stop. You can’t
please all of the people all of the time. You can’t fight every battle and hope to be effective. You only
have a finite amount of energy and quality thinking time each day, so you need to balance it across
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