She Strengthens

Navigating Workplace Frustrations: The Power of “Yes, And”

As I commiserated with a friend about our shared workplace frustrations, one particular scenario stood out: being asked to perform tasks outside of our job descriptions. It’s infuriating when others assume we can handle responsibilities that clearly belong to someone else. My friend’s experience got me thinking about how I’d respond in a similar situation.

Setting Boundaries

When faced with large, time-consuming requests, I’ve learned to politely decline and redirect the asker to the appropriate person or resource. A brief, courteous email usually suffices, allowing me to refocus on my priorities. However, dealing with colleagues or direct reports requires a more nuanced approach. Coaching them on when to ask for help and when to take initiative is crucial, especially when they’re new to the team.

The Improv Principle

Recently, I discovered that the key to my workplace happiness lies in the world of improv comedy. The “yes, and” mentality, where actors build upon each other’s ideas rather than negating them, has become my guiding principle. When faced with non-ideal requests or inefficient workflows, I choose to focus on what I can add to improve the situation rather than dwelling on what’s lacking.

Surviving and Thriving

As a freelancer, I’ve learned to adopt a “yes, and” attitude to maintain relationships with clients and continue growing my business. By assuming that others have valid reasons for their requests, I can respond promptly and move forward. This approach has even led to new opportunities.

Knowing When to Push Back

While it’s essential to set boundaries and prioritize your tasks, there are instances where giving others the benefit of the doubt can be more beneficial than pushing back. When someone makes a mistake or forgets a procedure, it’s often faster and more productive to guide them towards the next step rather than getting bogged down in frustration.

Lessons Learned

Becoming an entrepreneur has taught me to let go of indignation over tasks that fall outside my job description. I’ve come to recognize that miscellaneous tasks are an inevitable part of the job. By focusing on finding solutions and moving forward, I’ve been able to maintain my joy and productivity.

Your Turn

Have you ever pushed back on small requests or frustrating breaches of protocol? How did it work out for you, and what will you do differently in the future? Share your experiences and insights!