You have a great idea. You have the motivation. You have even convinced your boss and everyone around you that it’s a good idea.
But nothing happens.
Your idea is put to the side, thrown down to the bottom of the list of priorities, where it will most likely never recover. However, it is not your idea that is the casualty of this process – it is your inspiration, drive and motivation. It can be so deflating to have something that you are passionate about all but completely ignored.
Another situation: You have responded to every email. You have called to follow up everyone involved in your project. You are pushing like crazy to move the project forward.
Again the most likely casualty to a roadblock is your motivation. Behaviour that is not rewarded becomes less frequent – it is probably the closest thing to a law of psychology. The frustration that comes with roadblocks is a very powerful emotion that can eventually make us throw our hands in the air and say, “What’s the point?” We have all been there at times – it may be a rare, unfortunate occurrence or we may be starting to accept it as a mandatory part of working life.
Roadblocks are part of life – giving up doesn’t have to be. Here are some steps you need to take if you are feeling frustrated.
An alternative definition of a roadblock is a person, or a group of people that are not motivated to help you. People will use the reasons of being busy or overloaded as a means of putting your work or project on hold. These are legitimate reasons, but we will always make allowances to work on things that will benefit us. If you can illustrate how helping you will assist that person then you will go a long way towards removing the block. Some of these lines may apply:
There are times when the motivational methods don’t work. You’ve explained the benefits, you’ve tried to leverage the trust and respect you (thought you) had for each other and you’re still not getting anywhere. Now it’s time to elevate the issue. If you have given fair warning to everyone involved about the importance and you’re still not getting an acceptable reason for delays, then it is time to escalate. Two ways to do this:
1. A formal meeting with dates, times, agreements – with places to sign, and/or;
2. Appeal to the person’s superior. Do it politely and explain the urgency and importance. If your reasons are valid you will get some support.
If the person or group of people causing the roadblock are not responding to your best efforts to motivate them it may be time to move on, drop the project, or better still – find a more receptive audience. It is far too costly in terms of time and motivation to be working so hard on people who are not willing to work with you. It is always best to put the most effort into what will achieve the biggest results.
Decision-making and approval processes are common roadblocks. It is very easy to think you have done as much as you can when there is indeed another level of input you can provide. Instead of just leaving decisions up to superiors, waiting for them to read from a backlog of emails and documents, provide a fresh and sparkling SUMMARY SNAPSHOT, giving the options and BRIEF information and two to three reasons why to move and approve. There is nothing more pleasing for busy people than to be handed an overview of the situation. It saves them from digging through every minor detail – it might be enough to get someone on side. And be bold – put that snapshot in their hands if email is not working.
Last, but certainly not least, give yourself a pat on the back! Instead of constantly getting frustrated it may be time to sit back and have a look at the body of work you have completed and feel some pride. If you are constantly circulating negative thoughts of impatience then your attitude, and your output will eventually become quite poor. Stay positive – it will help you see opportunities and will make sure you feel good, even when times are getting tough.
Good luck!
For more information on how to handle people problems follow @eveash on twitter and ask a question directly, or check out the free podcasts on itunes ASK EVE! – or visit www.7dimensions.com.au for solutions for your business.
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