Dealing with annoying quirks

Our Leadership Communications Program is filled with account and project managers, people who have to communicate things they don’t always agree with or don’t have control over.

One example: having to tell a client that the scope of work has changed and their cost is going up.

Here’s an approach to make this negotiation easier.

If it’s on them, say so

If the scope has increased because the client asked for more work, sooner, or other things not in your agreement, you should say so.

Remember is the triple constraint of project management…

Image by Wellingtone

Many of us are back in the office watching our coworkers microwave fish, clip their nails, and yap away on a Zoom call without headphones – unaware of how they’re impacting others.

Come on, people…are you kidding me?!?!

Maybe it’s just that our own tolerance grew thinner during our time at home.

Either way, we’re stuck with their quirks. We’re in a place where we don’t all agree on what the new unspoken workplace social rules are.

If your non-verbal cues (looking askance at a soup slurper) don’t work, if you’re resentful (shouldn’t she just know not to sneeze into her hands?), or if you expect your boss or company to do your dirty work (leadership should put more signs up on the fridge), you may want to set some boundaries yourself.

“Excuse me, but when you spread your stuff all over the office, I get frustrated because I need organization and space to do my work. After you leave a common space, would you please take all your stuff with you?”

Yes, they’ll give you a look but will eventually come to respect you for your clear request.