Cool head can get work done from many heads
Many a times, when a job has to be done with inter departmental co-ordination, even a small task seems gigantic because of the effort needed to get everyone to do their bit. People shirk responsibilities and the blame game starts. How to avoid suc...
By Shreya Biswas, TNN |
NEW DELHI: Ashish Sharma is having sleepless nights since he took up the new project that requires contribution from three different departments. Every morning, after he steps into the office, his day starts with calling up people, following up on the progress, where they are stuck, offering help if needed.
Even as the deadline gets closer, no one’s bothered except him. He is running out of patience and has pledged, he will never take up a task that requires inter-departmental co-ordination in future, come what may. He is not alone, there are scores of people across companies who go through the same.
Many a times, when a job has to be done with inter departmental co-ordination, even a small task seems gigantic because of the effort needed to get everyone to do their bit. People shirk responsibilities and the blame game starts. How to avoid such situations? Here are some tips.
Cribbing doesn’t help
Being Indians, we start competing right from the time we are born. We compete for getting admission in school, for education or for a job. Competition is in our blood. A huge population and limited resources make us naturally competitive.
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“Even in school, students hesitate to share notes with classmates. In such an environment, if one is asked to become a team player soon after one joins, it becomes difficult.” says Anil Sachdev, chairman and MD, Right Management. People need to understand this and frame better work processes and not blame individuals Role clarity is critical
Be very clear on responsibilities, who needs to do what. Find out whether people have a shared vision. The department heads should clarify what people can expect from each other. Besides, the functional targets for the year should be made in consultation with other functions. Regular meetings will also help identify the problem areas.
At times, people from other departments don’t comply thinking a boss from other department can’t be dictating terms. In such a situation, the best way is to schedule a meeting with the employee concerned along with his boss. Convince him on the importance of the job and why he or she should be doing it. “It’s always a better approach than forcing it down through his boss.” says Chandan Chattaraj, head, HR, Xerox India.
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Take it to the higher authorityIf no one is owning up the responsibility and a blame game ensues, take it up with the higher authorities. This should be the last resort. Only when everything else fails, this step could be taken, since this could lead to worsening of relations at the workplace.
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Don’t pick on juniors in officeMake sure people who do their job well are not dragged into the blame game, especially the juniors. This could demotivate them and they may not show interest the next time. Juniors, at their level, would do well to keep a record, show it when needed.
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