RULE 89

Don’t back down – be prepared to stand your ground

There will be times when you are certain and know you’re right. In these times sometimes you have to make a stand. You have to be prepared to put up or shut up. You have to be prepared to fight for what you believe in. If you are passionate about what you do, then standing up for what you know is right isn’t that hard.

You don’t have to be aggressive, just resolute. If you are being bullied, say so loud and clear – chances are the person harassing you will back off, quick.

You don’t have to be rude, just assertive. If someone is spreading rumours about you or your team or your performance that aren’t true, then collar them. State your position clearly: ‘I hear you are spreading such and such a rumour. This is not true and I would appreciate it if you would stop.’

You don’t have to be angry, just be very certain of yourself and very well prepared. If someone always finds fault with what you suggest, such as ‘Oh, that won’t work, we tried it before and it failed’, then stand your ground and don’t back down. Say, ‘Yes, and here are the figures to show why it didn’t work. And here is my report to explain why it will work this time and how it is different’.

You don’t have to get fired, just fired up. If you work for a boss who fails to give you suitable feedback, keep plugging away. Ask, ‘How can I improve my performance for next time? What steps should I take to get that pay rise I want that you’ve just said no to? Where do you see me in a year’s time? What can we do to improve sales?’ Keep pushing the ball back into their court until they are forced to give you suitable answers.

You don’t have to be argumentative, just conciliatory. If you have a boss suggesting you cut legal corners, don’t point-blank refuse and cause an argument. Instead say, ‘Ah. How would we handle this if the media/auditors got hold of it?’ You aren’t refusing but you are standing your ground and not going along with their ideas – and you are also offering them a way out. They won’t have to make a point and impose their will on you, but they can now diplomatically back down without losing face.