Some weeks ago, there was a question in the comment section of one of my articles titled: “Leadership: Beware of Scandals.” The question was: “What do you do in a case where you are punished for something you didn’t know anything about?” I answered with the above caption, “Watch and Pray,” and added the words “so that thou falleth not into trouble.” In this post, I would like to give more context. The stark truth is that shit happens in the workplace, and it will always happen even to the most diligent and well-intentioned employees. I have seen people told to resign for a problem they didn’t cause. I have seen people given a transfer posting to a hidden location for something they can’t explain. I have seen people demoted for no just cause. I have seen people hated and had to suffer in the workplace because of a clash of interests. There are many more unpleasant experiences that I have seen people go through in the workplace. People in the workplace experience crises which they can’t explain, and this sometimes leaves a scar on their career trajectory. The workplace can be brutal and unforgiving. In some cases, some individuals have used these experiences to leap to the next level, but many more have had these experiences lead to a drawback on their careers. This post is to give insight into what to do to prevent these unpleasant experiences and what to do in case it happens because in many instances, those unpleasant experiences still occur despite all efforts to prevent them.
First is to watch and pray. By watchfulness, I mean you must be sensitive to events around you. You must read the room. You must be circumspect. Jesus speaking to his disciples said they must be as gentle as dove and must be as wise as serpent. A mix of wisdom, assertiveness, empathy, diplomacy, intelligence, and uprightness is required in the corporate world to keep you afloat because there are many forces that want to bring you down. You must never be too relaxed. Paying attention to subtle cues, power dynamics, and undercurrents within the organization can help employees anticipate potential pitfalls and take preemptive action.
Associates will sometimes bring documents to you to sign under urgent circumstances. The desire to get results can lead you to embark on some actions or projects that may end up hurting you. A desire by someone to come and take over your seat may lead to high-level politics against you. All these scenarios may bring about the unexpected events, but you must be watchful.
The second point is to be as detailed as much as possible. Always read in between the lines. Don’t be too suspicious and at the same time, don’t be too complacent.
Third is to ensure you manage all stakeholders in the office as much as possible. The workplace is a political place, and if you don’t understand that, you may look for my posts on ‘Demystifying office politics”. Understanding the unspoken words in the workplace can save you from crisis. Cultivating a network of trusted mentors, allies, and advocates can provide a crucial safety net when crises arise. These individuals can offer guidance, lend their voice in support, and help navigate the complex web of corporate politics.
Next is to be meticulous in record-keeping. This is essential in the event that you need to defend your actions or seek legal recourse. Maintaining a detailed paper trail can be the difference between being perceived as a scapegoat or a victim of circumstance.
Peradventure, shit happens, you must not allow it to weigh you down. When faced with a crisis, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and despondent. However, it’s crucial to not let the situation define you. Approaching the challenge with a calm, collected demeanor and a determination to emerge stronger can make all the difference. One thing you must always remind yourself is that you are not the first such events will happen to neither are you going to be the last.
Another important point is to approach your mentors when such unpleasant events happen. The advantage is that they have seen many of such events happen in their career, hence they will be able to guide you. In situations where your career or livelihood is at stake, seeking guidance from legal professionals, HR experts, or employee assistance programs can provide invaluable support and increase the chances of a favorable resolution.
Above all, once you don’t allow the situation to hold you down, you will rise from it and you will use it to leap to your next level. After all, as the ancient proverb reminds us, “the gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a person perfected without trials.” In the face of corporate crises, the true mettle of a leader is forged.
Final words: Career crises are real. Sometimes, they leave scars, but you must use them as stepping stones to your next level