Too Busy for Your Own Good (33 page)

Sometimes it's a friend who lobs these zingers at you, as a way to validate that you two are close. Address “friendly fire” in private, by saying, “Remember, when you said ___________? What I really need from you is your support, not your criticism.”

Don't you hate those people who take credit for your ideas? There are some points to remember if you're in a highly competitive situation or have saboteurs in your midst.

Don't
present a great idea casually passing in the hall or as a tag-on to someone's similar idea.
Do
formally
present your ideas to the right people with forethought and planning.

Don't
downplay your ideas or work! If you have a great idea,
do
put it succinctly in writing (one page) and make an appointment to present it to the right person: “I need ten minutes to discuss a new idea I have for streamlining the system.” Let him or her know that
you
think it's a great idea.

Don't
wait until a project is over to let everybody know what your contribution was.
Do
let all of your colleagues know your part and that you expect credit for what you've done.

Don't
forget to create buzz for your ideas.
Do
make sure that the grapevine is aware of your activities. Every department has a grapevine—learn it and use it.

Don't
hide your involvement in a project.
Do
work on your own personal publicity campaign—put good or important news in writing and let people know what you're doing, being as visible as possible within the group.

Don't
let yourself fade into the background.
Do
speak for your department. If you have problems speaking in front of groups, join Toastmasters (toastmasters.org).

Don't
skimp on compliments, appreciation, and recognition.
Do
give credit to others when they're doing a good job. Send handwritten thank-you notes if they deserve it.

Don't
forget the power of proof and the written word.
Do
document yourself and back up like crazy.

You need to distinguish between genuine “no people” and “negative analysts”—one hurts, and the other helps. Negative analysts are contingency planners—they say, “Here's
the problem, this is the rub, and this is what we should do about it.” They are self-appointed troubleshooters bringing solutions, not just griping and criticism. Genuine “no people,” on the other hand, bring problems, complaints, criticism, and gripes
without
solutions or ideas. Here is how you deal with them:

Acknowledge what they say and counter it with a positive statement. “You could be right, and this is the smartest group we've ever dealt with.”

Don't get sucked into their negativity. Instead, say something like, “That hasn't been my experience.”

Don't argue. Chances are they've always been a negative person, and you're not going to change their mind by arguing.

Ask them for solutions. “What do you think would work here?”