Karl Edwards presents Working Matters

Author: Karl Edwards

  • Understanding Instead of Winning When in Conflict

    Conflict can be the most difficult situation to tough out.

    Let’s remind ourselves we’re discussing conflict in the context of having chosen to stay in our current job. We’re choosing to tough it out because there are more reasons to stay than leave.

    Given that, the most difficult realization may be that these problems are not going to go away. We can’t simply wait them out and hope they’ll disappear. We can’t run from them or hide somewhere.

    Our best bet is to shift our focus.

    Instead of winning, our goal should be understanding. Changing the topic from getting my way to working alongside some awfully difficult characteristics.

    If I can understand where a difficult person is coming from, I can engage more strategically.

    What do they want? What are they trying to accomplish? What is so important to them?

    If I can affirm what is important to them, much of the tension in the relationship gets released and frees both of us to get back on a work-based issue.

    What might be going on with that under-performing co-worker who is attacking your motives for working hard? What are reasons your boss might be second-guessing your decisions that are related to his or her needs, priorities or pressures instead of you? What pressures might someone be facing which result in competitive tactics?

    What can you affirm about someone you don’t get along with? How might you use that as a basis for getting back to work?

    Joining the conversation just now? Catch up on the entire series, Toughing Out a Tough Job.

  • Carrows Restaurant Disses Community with Lame Claim

    Carrows doesn’t get it.

    I‘ve been taking each of my three daughters to weekly one-on-one breakfasts at Carrows for over seven years now.

    We know everyone on staff by name and many of the other regular customers as well. I don’t even want to think about what we’ve spent on meals there through the years.

    For the first time one of my daughters asks the local manager to place an ad in her middle school’s yearbook. The price is nominal and gives Carrows positive exposure to the local families they serve.

    Carrows doesn’t get it, though.

    That the local manager said, “No,” to sponsoring an ad is not the problem.

    What’s troubling is that he didn’t even have (more…)

  • Listen In -> Toughing Out a Tough Job #4: When the Conflict is Constant

    While boredom sucks the life out of you and workload may overwhelm you, conflict diminishes and demeans you.

    In this week’s podcast conversation, Claudia and I look at toughing out a job when conflict is rife.

    Are there alternatives to engaging in childish office politics or needing to win petty arguments? Do significant disagreements have to end with manipulative power plays or wither in spineless surrender?

    Listen in.

    Joining the conversation just now? Catch up on the entire series, Toughing Out a Tough Job.

  • No Teasing Whore, This Angel

    Inhaling deep wafts of the morning mist, I push my way into the day—that now familiar mix of courage and impotence coloring each step.

    Foreign are the airs of confidence and self assurance that others seem to wear so effortlessly. But I press forward. Destiny’s beckoning promise continues to visit in the night, dancing gracefully along the horizon of my imagination. My appreciation for this encouraging angel erases every suggestion that she is but a teasing whore.

    I am different. I am different for a reason. I am different because I have something to do. I have something I must do.

    First published in Nuance Alley, April 2004.

  • Loving Monday: Initiative is Power

    So maybe the coming week doesn’t look the brightest. Cranky co-workers, immature boss, impossible workload, shifting deadlines.

    Try adding something new to the mix. Add something small. Add something bright.

    Do something yourself to make work a brighter place to be this week.

    Buy flowers for your desk. Buy flowers for someone else’s desk.

    Brew some gourmet coffee and serve everyone. Buy donuts for the team.

    Post a humorous cartoon. Send everyone an appreciation email.

    Taking the initiative is an act of power. In the midst of so much that is out of our control, even the smallest initiative will affect your attitude for the better.

    Try it. Report back and let us know what you did.

    On your side,

    – Karl

  • Survival May Depend On Distinctions

    When the workload becomes overwhelming, survival may depend upon making distinctions.

    In this week’s podcast conversation, Claudia and I discuss survival techniques for those with too much work coming from too many places.

    Distinctions. Consider the difference between:

    • Organizing
    • Prioritizing
    • Focusing

    Organizing is a structural issue. The methods and means you currently use for keeping track of workload might not be serving you very well.

    Prioritizing is a values issue. There may be lack of clarity about the relative importance of the many tasks demanding your attention.

    Focusing is a attentiveness issue. You may become easily distracted, preoccupied or anxious in the midst of otherwise well-ordered efforts.

    Where do you struggle most when the workload becomes more than you can bear?

    Coming into the conversation just now? Catch up on the entire series, Toughing Out a Tough Job.

  • Quote to Consider: Leaders Are About Everyone Else

    Great leaders are obsessed with recognizing, resourcing and advancing the ideas of others in the organization, not their own.

    How do you go about…

    • Recognizing
    • Resourcing
    • Advancing

    the ideas of others?

    Pick one and let us know what you do.

    If you feel stuck in a “control others to enact your own ideas” model of leadership, let’s talk. There’s an exhilarating world of enterprising teams, engaged employees and explosive creativity waiting to be unleashed in your firm.

  • Question of the Week

    To what degree and in what matters are we “our brother’s keeper” at work?

    The Question of the Week is offered to increase awareness of one’s personal leadership practices and encourage experimentation with creative alternatives.

  • Toughing Out a Tough Job #3: When The Workload is Overwhelming

    Workload feel like you’re juggling knives? Lugging a file cabinet on your back? Navigating a maze of booby traps?

    For any given priority that you consider tackling, do all the others shout for attention making it impossible to focus? Do all choices seem like lose-lose propositions? For all your hard work is the main question that comes to mind, “Who am I letting down today?”

    In today’s podcast discussion on Toughing Out a Tough Job, Claudia and I look at coping with an overwhelming workload.

    In this series we’re taking as our starting point that changing jobs is not one of the options on the table. So we’re looking for survival techniques, coping strategies, and creative alternatives to make meaningful choices where we can.

    Overwhelmed by your workload? Listen in.

  • A Nod to My Dad

    Today would be my father’s birthday if he were alive.

    He, unfortunately, passed away 23 years ago at the untimely age of 51.

    Most memories are fuzzy at this point. I pull out photos to remember his smile.

    His voice, though, I still hear.

    Three lines in particular accompany me, bolster me, and continue to challenge me.

    You can do anything you set your mind to.

    Keep a hand extended. You never know when someone will need it.

    You’re my hero.

    Those words reverberate differently to a son now in mid-life himself. But speak into my life, inspire my heart, and test my mettle, they continue to do.

    Thanks Dad.