By J. Mason
Online Career Tips Editor
The easiest way for anyone to gain power is by creating it through their everyday tasks. Making the simplest decision about your daily routine can you give you a strong sense of entitlement. This type of power can be great to relay into other efforts throughout the day. At work we can all get on a power trip about the control we have over certain projects or tasks. Even when we’re not managing people a project can be just as much of a liability and collateral as a team of hard working individuals. We all need some dose of influence to get through the work day.
What’s key is to never let that power get to your head and cloud your judgment. If there is a certain chain of command or process at work do you follow it? Or do you feel compelled to bypass certain people to get your way? If you relate more closely to the second question then you may be going rogue. Standards are there for a reason. A complex process needs a flow, and when you disrupt the flow items can get missed and the project or task can flop or flail on the person working hard to make it successful. If you think you’re being the office superhero then stop. Going rogue is usually only beneficial to one person, yourself.
There are several reasons to go rogue at work:
- You know of a better process
- You believe you can get the job done better
- You want to start something new
- You want immediate results
- You enjoy working alone
Whatever your reason may be you need to consider the consequences first. If you’re going around a certain person to get something done or approved will they be offended when they find out? Even if you don’t report to that person it could create bad blood. Just because you don’t agree with the process doesn’t mean it’s been put in place for an elementary reason. Inquire with the task or project holder about the process. After understanding it better you can offer your insight. People will be more willing to listen if they feel as though their side was heard as well.
What about when you feel as though your counterpart is incompetent on something? Yes, you may be able to perform the task better than them, but unless you’re their manager that is not your decision to make. Offer to help them, or ask their boss if you two can work together. With time if you do prove to be a better fit that thing you desire may be shifted to you. Being cunning about the way you get it may singe relationships instead of creating them.
In the world of technology in which we all currently live immediate results are expected. When you work with a large group of people immediacy may not be a priority. Instead of skirting the process set guidelines ahead of time. If there is a time frame attached to the project make sure it’s well known. This way if you do have to go over someone’s head they at least had fair warning. People are not automatic, and unless you ask you don’t know where their priorities lie.
Working within a corporate structure can feel as though it’s full of rules most of the time. So if you feel the itch to go rogue it’s completely normal, and it’s a healthy way to stay competitive and on top of your game. Consider though the coworkers working side by side with you everyday. These individuals are expected to follow the same set of rules that you are. If they respect you as a professional then it would benefit you to do the same. Be a force in your work without stepping on other peoples toes.
How did you do on last week’s bad habit, celebrating Friday too early? Now that we’re back at the same place today remember not to cut and run before all your work is done!
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