Ask Roxanne!
Dear Roxanne,
I had a project due last Monday, but life got in the way a bit. I won't bore you with details. Long story short, on Thursday I realized I wouldn't make it without working all weekend, so I asked for a two-day extension. And he refused! I ended up putting in eight unpaid hours on the weekend. I got it done on time, but I feel that wasn't reasonable. Sometimes things happen. I'm not a robot. I'd like to express my feelings in a way that won't get me fired, but I'm worried it will come out wrong.
– Gwen F.
Dear Gwen,
Put down your poison pen—that won't do a bit of good. Life does indeed happen, but you're assuming it's the boss's job to absorb the consequences. You can COUNT on life happening, so dealing with obstacles is automatically part of the job. You needed to power through the weekend, and you did it! What's more, you inspired this week's column. Good luck!
– Roxanne
Do you have a question about how to handle a situation or a relationship in the workplace? Ask Roxanne!
Life Happens-and Then You ROCK
When you agree to do something and then get hit with an obstacle, do you assume all bets are off and cash in your chips? Or do you remind yourself that an agreement is an agreement, so you give yourself a moment to figure out how to get back on track?
Life is filled with people who believe obstacles invalidate a deal. "Yes, I know that was my quarterly goal, but the economy..."
"Yes, I know I said I'd finish that project, but I forgot that our family reunion was coming up that weekend, and I had to help plan the kids' activities."
"Sherri didn't get her part of the report to me, so I wasn't able to finish my part."
Nothing will hold you back from success in life more than giving up when you hit a hurdle. When people who don't "get it" hit a snag, they might say something like, "Things got too complicated, so I decided it just wasn't worth it to keep on trying." Those who create win after win in life respond differently—they throw their hearts over the bar, knowing the rest of the team will follow.
The language of those who win often is different, too. They say, "Well, things have changed, as they always do, so what do I need to do next so I can finish this project?"
When an obstacle comes your way, don't waste time looking for ways to cave—look for all the ways you can clear that hurdle—in style. Why? Because you said you would.
You are as good as your word. You make or break your reputation based on what you commit to and when (and how) you deliver the goods.
Relationships are built on trust, and trust comes when commitments are kept.
Let neither rain, nor snow, nor any other obstacle stop you. If you're tempted to toss in your cards when the odds start stacking up, just remember to commit to the power of your words.
Keeping Your Eye on Your Commitments
- Be a person of your word. When you make a promise, go out of your way to keep it. Be unreasonably committed to your promises and refuse to give yourself an out when things go south. Your self-esteem will flourish, as will your reputation, and you'll find that every week you're capable of more.
- Commit to helping others, too. If someone doesn't get you a report on time, politely nag them until you get it. If that doesn't work, camp at their feet until they can't stand it. Finishing the job will be frosting on the cake compared to the pressure of having to deal with your looming presence.
- Commit to being a creative thinker. When the economy takes a dive, figure out what other markets you can tap into or what creative approaches you need to take so you can make up for the deficit.
Has this Recession Left Doubt in Your Confidence as a Leader?
During times like these, we often forget who we really are and how powerful we can be when we lead from our center.
NOW is the time to focus, tap into the transformative powers that brought you achievements in the past, and commit to success far beyond what you've achieved so far.
Don't wait another minute!
Attend Permission to Be Extraordinary™ August 4-5.
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your understanding of what is possible and rid yourself of those limiting beliefs that keep you from what you know is out there for you and your company.
For more information:
Online: Event details
Call: 1-800-236-5885
Call today to reserve your seat in this life transforming event:
1-800-236-5885.
"Permission to Be Extraordinary gave me the confidence to know I could take my company to greatness."
— P. Steele, President and CEO, First Volunteer Bank
"It would have been very easy to put things on auto pilot at this stage of my life and coast into retirement. Because of your challenge to be EXTRAORDINARY, I can't accept that course of action."
— L. Gordon, President and CEO, Citizens Bank
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