CONSIDER THINGS FROM A ZERO BASE LINE STARTING POINT
This is a really good exercise. When faced with just about any decision in the workplace, ask the question: “Is THIS what I’d be doing if I were starting from scratch?”
This is especially true if you have already started down a particular path and want to double check the appropriateness of your original choice.
So, was the original path the best?
Perhaps not.
And if not, then it might be decision time.
Consider whether you should devote more time and resources to patching and improving the admittedly less-than-ideal path, system or strategy? Or should you substantially modify what you are doing? Should you begin over, starting on a better path, concept or strategy?
If you can practice this process, it can become one of your greatest strengths in the workplace.
You may not always change your way, but at least you have given it some thought.
It isn’t easy admitting that you, or your department, or the company has made a mistake. But, if after the flawed strategy or unseized opportunity becomes obvious, the sooner you do something about it the better. Wouldn’t you agree?
Instead of just staying the course, now you will have a moment to rethink the reasons for taking the approach you originally took in the first place. Others who do not practice this work place tip, are admittedly, a weakness in the workplace.
Consider: What are my co-workers doing? Is that what I should be doing? If not, the best time to change is probably sooner, not later.
Changing course won’t always be the right thing to do. In fact, more often than not, you will probably find that your original vision is correct. But isn’t is good to know that you are on the right path.
So often times, the right thing to do is to “stay the course.”
The winners are usually the most diligent and resilient and those whose take action and keep moving forward. Remember, you can always re-evaluate your decisions and paths at anytime.
In the workplace as with life, conditions change, and you should be ready to change with them. You might just discover a way of doing something that not only you didn’t know, but nobody else is either.
Now, wouldn’t that be an interesting opportunity for you to excel in the workplace?