Before Nike

Before the Swoosh there was “Just [expletive] Do it!”

Seriously, stop whining and do it - take action. Find a new job, go back go school, ask for a raise, start a new project, become a volunteer; do something other than accepting the status quo and complaining.

If you are unhappy, you have two choices: change the situation or change how you deal with the situation. It doesn’t get any simpler than that.

I am not saying that implementing the change won’t be hard, and that is why decisions often don’t get made.

The secret for getting started is to break your overwhelming issue into small manageable tasks, and then start on the first one.

MIA

Dear Pragmatist,

The lady who runs our office is never around. Should I tell her supervisor?

Be careful – you might get what you wish for.

Absentee bosses often tend to come with baggage. Do you really need her or can you function without her?

Don’t get distracted by what she is doing or not doing unless it dramatically affects the way you do your job.

This is an opportunity for you to work as independently as possible. It will make you more valuable - so take it as a positive and stop complaining.

The Last Word

Dear Pragmatist,

Sometimes I can’t help it – I end up chiming in at the end of the discussion. It took me a while to notice to notice this. Do I have a problem?

If your input is consistently negative, this is a problem.

This habit often starts with little things that then becomes a permanent pattern.

My advice - let some of the small things roll off your back, even if they drive you crazy. Learn to bite your tongue.

You don’t always have to have the last word. It is a negative habit that causes others to question your priorities and ego.

Now, if your input is alternatively thoughtful, conciliatory, inspired, or challenging, then it is OK.

My Boss Was Just Fired

Dear Pragmatist,

My boss was just fired. I really respect him and feel awful. What should I do?

Well, you could resign in protest. Or,

Tell all you colleagues how unfair it was. Or,

You could keep you head down and just keep doing your job. Or,

You could apply for his job.

Hmmm. I suggest you apply for his job. Don’t wait for it to be offered to you. Ask for it. If you do get it, make sure you get adequately compensated.

Don’t let anyone position any pay package as a “first prove yourself and then we will revaluate salary/bonus”. Don’t ever make the case for a pay increase based on more work – make the argument based on increased responsibility.

Evaluate what your former boss did wrong and be prepared to do some things differently.