We have all had the experience of a boss demanding we do something difficult and do it in the dumbest way possible, like being told to cut the grass using a pair of dull scissors even though cutting the grass isn’t our job and despite the perfectly good lawn mower right there. How do you navigate situations where you have no control? While the knee-jerk reaction might be to embrace a victim mindset, it’s crucial to recognize that empowerment lies in intentional actions, even in seemingly dire circumstances.
The Dull Scissors Dilemma
The dull scissors dilemma is the problem posed in the cut the grass example above. These stressful situations will trigger instinctive reactions: fight, flight, freeze, or appease. Each of these reactions had value in certain situations, but if we want to impact our outcome, we should be intentional about how we react.
Fight:
You can tell your boss that you won’t do it. Its not the best use of your talent and time and attempt to persuade them to recend the assignment. Arguing or rebelling in the face of adversity can be a natural response, but it comes with its own set of pros and cons. If you have a good relationship with your boss and this request is out of the norm, I would take this approach.
Pros:
- Expression of frustration and resistance.
- Potential for initiating change.
Cons:
- Risk of larger repercussions.
- Escalation of tension.
Flight:
Choosing to quit or seek another job is a form of flight, a decision that can be justified in certain situations. If this request is common, if fighting in the past hasn’t been successful, then this is a strong option. But you shouldn’t run every time you face a difficult task; every job has difficult situations eventually.
Pros:
- Freedom from a challenging environment.
- Pursuit of better opportunities.
Cons:
- May not address the root cause.
- Potential for burning bridges.
Freeze:
Doing nothing in response to a challenging task might seem counterproductive, but sometimes, strategic inaction can be beneficial. If you have a high energy boss who is prone to ‘drive by’ requests, this wait-and-see if they ask again approach might be the right decision. I’ve used this in my career very successfully however it has the potential to come back to haunt you.
Pros:
- Observing the situation before acting.
- Assessment of long-term implications.
Cons:
- Rarely helpful in actively resolving issues.
- Risk of missed opportunities.
Appease:
Complying with a request regardless of personal feelings is appeasement. The shut up and do it option. If this is a one off situation and fighting the ask is more difficult than its worth, strap on your Nike’s and just do it. This is a good option when there isn’t a pattern of abusive requests from your leader and especially if making noise at work would be a bad idea in the moment.
Pros:
- Smooth navigation of political dynamics.
- Quick resolution in some cases.
Cons:
- May perpetuate unfavorable conditions.
- Compromise of personal values.
Taking Intentional Action
While these reactions often stem from instinct, recognizing them and consciously choosing a course of action is pivotal. It’s essential to remember that, in many instances, we have the power to influence change before reaching the point of fight, flight, freeze, or appease. Be intentional in your responses, take action with purpose in the face of workplace adversity.