Confronting the Tough Stuff
Every supply chain professional is confronted every day with tough decisions, inflexible people, immovable objects, and sticky situations, especially now that we are in a recession. How do you cope in this environment?
The short answer is that you need to become more skilled at dealing with difficult people, irrational situations and the politics of your workplace. There is an art and science in doing so. Here are five basics that work every time:
- Have Patience – Thomas Paine, in his pamphlet “Common Sense” tells us that all things and truths become clearer with time. That’s why you need to have patience when confronted with a tough situation. I personally wait at least 24 hours before making any tough decisions because the emotions of the moment have now passed and I have a clear head to make the right decision. Don’t make rushed decisions if you can avoid it!
- Listen Artfully -We all know the techniques of “Listen Artfully”, but how many times have you really used them? I have found that if you can keep people talking and keep yourself listening attentively you can find out everything or anything you want to know about any situation. It always pays dividends to listen!
- Be Respectful - Even when you totally disagree with an individual’s point of view, be respectful, civil and polite. In doing so, you might just learn their reason(s) for why they have a different perspective on the subject at hand. Then you have all the facts you need to make your own decision!
- Ask Why – The most important question you can ask anyone, when confronted with an opposing opinion, is why they feel that way. They will then need to defend their position. Often they will talk themselves out of this opinion, when they hear their own answer. That’s why the “why question” opens up a whole new way of thinking for even the toughest opponent.
- Don’t Cave In -The easy route to take when confronted with tough people, decisions or situations is to “cave in”, but this won’t solve your problems. It will just complicate them. Once your colleagues, employees or management realize that you change your mind easily they will never ease up on the pressure to change your mind on any subject. But if they know that you are hard as a rock and are an unmovable object, they will soon tire of trying to change your mind. This doesn’t mean that you should be inflexible or stubborn, but always be mindful that your opinions count too! Be firm and consistent!
The Reverent Robert H. Schuller has said that “Tough times never last, but tough people do”. That’s why you must master these five skills that are needed to deal with tough people, tough decisions and tough situations. If you do, I can ensure you that it will make your job and your life a whole lot easier, more productive and fun again.
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