I have been around for a while now and one of the scariest kinds of people I have met are those filled with good intentions. You know the type. The kind that always believes what they are doing is correct. The kind that wants to help make everything run smoothly at any cost. The kind that will bend the rules to complete the task.
In a more sinister way will ask someone else to bend the rules. The person that is willing to injure others if it means getting things done for the “greater good”. In their minds it is okay to “draw outside the lines” if the “final outcome” is the goal they see as “good”.
Those people are scary because they can justify their behavior. Sometimes convince others their process is as good as doing things the right way. They can justify their actions. They can justify the injuries caused by their actions. They believe their actions lead to a goal perceived as a “good outcome” and “serving the greater good”. They are individuals willing to disregard the lessons learned by others. They want to achieve a specific goal, at any cost.
The biggest problem with “scary people" is how many times they get away with bending the rules.
An EXAMPLE.
The clock is inoperative in an aircraft. The “scary person” (a coworker, supervisor, manager) tells the pilot they don’t need the clock because “It’s a day VFR flight, the clock is only needed for IFR conditions”. While the conversation is amicable and both parties agree, the “scary person” is still asking someone else to bend the rules to get a job done.
Now, if the pilot takes the flight, that individual is actively breaking the rules. If something happens, the “scary person” created a victim. In their mind, they didn’t tell them to take the flight and will deny any responsibility for the event. In fact, they may be the first to say, “I can’t believe they did that”.
The “scary person” is prepared to injure another to get the job done. They work with us. They may be close friends. They may be someone we have a great deal of respect for.
We need to watch for the “scary person” around us. They may have “good intentions”. We can’t allow their “good intentions” to create problems for themselves, the team, or the company. Learn to be assertive with the “scary person”.
Assertive doesn’t mean being rude or disrespectful. You can point out the reason you disagree and put sound ideas on the table for consideration. List the rules, events or alternatives in a thoughtful way and wait for their response. You never know, they may have documented information you’re not aware of and they may change your mind. It takes great strength to concede you were wrong.
It is important to stand your ground until proven to be wrong. Let the “scary person” know you are willing to challenge them when you disagree. In the end “NO” may be the only answer to give.
Even “NO” can be done with respect. Tell them you hear what they are saying, and you will not do the task the way they are suggesting. Most “scary persons” will accept your strength and confidence as the best solution. Those that do not will go away and pout, they know they can’t go to a higher authority to get permission, permission to “draw outside the lines”.
Be safe, Be strong and Stay Professional,
Jeffery N. Howard
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