'Step Up to Leader' Post > Tangential Question

[Dana Worley]

On Wednesday, September 12, 2007, Sandy Harris wrote: 
 
> How do you know? I sometimes ignore requests I think are dumb. Would you
> see that as me deliberately trying to be defiant?

First off, I don't think you should ignore a request. Professional 
courtesy would suggest that you offer an explanation to the person 
who made the request. That goes back to Stuart's comment about 
"playing nicely with the other kids".

If it is a workflow issue (not a priority issue but how you are actually 
getting your work done) it would be prudent to discuss with your 
manager why "your way" will work better. If you have a good 
argument, most managers will be reasonable. 

If it is a priority issue or a business decision, even though you might 
think the request is "dumb", it would be in your best interest to try to 
honor the request. You can offer your opinion on why you think it 
might be a wrong move. However, management typically has more 
information than those in the ranks, and the mandate may come 
from higher up than your manager (even the CEO has to answer to 
the shareholders & board). Just because you think something is 
"dumb" does not mean it has not been carefully thought out and 
considered the best course of action. If you don't follow 
management's direction, then yes, you are being defiant.

If you are a captive employee, when all's said and done there's 
someone signing paychecks who calls the shots. If you don't agree 
with how things are being done and you are not willing to bend in 
your ways, then it would likely be best for all parties if you moved on. 

2 cents,

Dana

*************************
Dana Worley
Software Product Manager/Manager, Software Support Group
Campbell Scientific, Inc.
815 W 1800 N
Logan, UT 84321-1784
435-750-1751
dana at campbellsci.com