Hello! Hello! Hello!
It is that time of the year again. Offices are gearing up to welcome the fresh batch of summer interns and new hires. The Human Resources team is busy putting together dockets with the company’s stationery,and an orientation week so crammed with activities that it will put a regency debutante to shame. As workplaces prepare themselves to embrace this fresh infusion of ideas, work speak and culture that the fresh graduates shall bring with them, the fresh graduates are turning to social media to understand ‘what-to-expect’ as they enter the workplace. This series aims to be a mix of safe space and go-to guide for the workplaces and Gen Z alike to clear the air on the ‘what-to, how-to, when-to’ with respect to professional communication and navigating work culture.
But why are we doing this, Susie?
Good question! While it would be easier for all of us to keep doing things as they have been done, studies show that there is much to lose if we do not find a way to effectively bridge the communication gap between the managers who are typically from a different generation and Gen Z who will make up almost 1/3rd of the workforce by 2025. It is imperative that the people on both sides of this equation learn how to work together. Else, we are looking at high rates of attrition, unmet expectations, and passive-aggressive work environments.
Good news though!
Here is one thing that GenZ and the managers have in common : As high as 51% of the GenZ feel that the education system did not adequately prepare them for the workforce and 41% of business leaders feel that GenZ is unprepared for the workforce (Gartner). This means both parties understand the importance of upskilling.
In this series, we will look at everyday work scenarios and how to resolve them amicably!
Did you find yourself nodding understandably and feeling a tad bit sad for Criston Cole and Jason Lannister, as you watched Aemond Targaryen order them to take Harrenhal? After the fight at Rook’s Rest, Criston rightly pointed out that their army is tired, they have lost their men, soldiers need some rest, and they need a bigger army if they were to head out. Aemond, however, dismissed these concerns and ordered them to proceed anyway. While we are not living in the ‘if-you-say-no-to-your-boss-you-will-find-your-head-on-the-spike’ mediaeval fantasy series, it is still hard to say no to your boss.
Let me help you find ways and words to gracefully navigate this situation. Picture this :
You are done for the day - you are shutting your laptop, getting ready to go home, and your boss drops by and tells you that something needs to be done ‘urgently’. While, every now and then, there are legit urgent ‘this needs to happen now’ scenarios and it is alright to finish them off but if this keeps happening, it shall become a pattern, and you will end up being the person your boss keeps dumping their work on.
So how can you politely, yet assertively push back on this?
Here is what I would do -
Ask and Assess :
Is the work your responsibility?
Are you the best person to do it or are you being assigned this because you are right there?
If it is not your responsibility, or someone else can do it better, redirect your boss to them.
Here is how : That sounds urgent/ important, I understand why the client wants a fast response on that, but the thing is I have not been working on that. Have you tried asking Susan/John, or one of the team members who had been working on this? They will be able to give a much better response because they are closer to this project than I am.
If it is your responsibility but you are already having too much on your plate :
Thank you so much for thinking of me, and I would love to help usually but at the moment my schedule is jam packed. The best I can do on that piece will be a rushed job and I think it requires a lot more time and dedication than I can give it. If my schedule clears up, I will let you know.
If it is your responsibility but this keeps happening and you need to set a boundary
Yeah, that does sound important but I am actually done for the day. Let me know what the latest deadline is, that I can get it back to you, and I can probably get it back to the client, the first thing in the morning, which might be better for both of us. Have a good evening.
There you go. Use these. Memorise them (if you want). Say them aloud. Say them often.
It will help you have a better work-life balance!
And no ( I do know you would not, but it is important that we put it here in words), for the love of God (and for the love of all the majestic dragons) do not say - Sounds like a YOU problem Karen. If it is that urgent, do it yourself.I am off.
Goodluck!
P.S. Say what you might say about Jason Lannister,
Is he vain? Yes.
Is he arrogant, pompous, and condescending? Also, Yes
Is it a bit cowardly for him to wait for Aemond and Vyaghar to arrive before he marches to Harrenhal? Yes, indeed.
But in his defence, the man is simply trying hard to survive! Hard to say who will be most displeased with him though- Aemond or Daemon.
