By Mike Mitchell
Thinking ahead seems like something you might do without really much thought. We all think ahead to some extent when planning tasks, projects, or activities. However, what I'm talking about is really thinking through various situations and scenarios that involve more than just simple tasks or projects. By thinking ahead, we can avoid embarrassing or awkward situations that result from making emotional snap decisions or statements. This process also gives us the confidence to make our recommendations in a way that supports our point without alienating others.
I learned this lesson the hard way a long time ago when I was Telecom Manager for an insurance company. The VP, to whom I reported, and I had differing opinions about how to provide voice and data telecommunications services to some of our company's remote claims adjusters. We discussed our differences on several occasions, but never reached a consensus before the company President convened a meeting to map out our course of action. After the VP explained his views, the President asked for my opinion. Unfortunately, I launched into my opposing viewpoint without regard to the ramifications. I was obviously not thinking ahead.
Due to our differing recommendations, it appeared to others that our department was disorganized. Additionally, the VP felt that I was trying to upstage him in front of the company President. It took several months of hard work to repair our relationship. Had I been thinking ahead, I would have handled the situation differently.
Here are some real-world examples of how you can thinking ahead in your job:
Gather as much information about the situation at hand, and seek to understand the opinions of other stakeholders. Understand the implications of the different viewpoints on the company and what would best support the desired outcome for the hospital.
Review each recommendation for similarities and differences and compare them to yours. Anticipate what objections someone might have to your recommendations. This may help you understand opposing points of view, or cause you to modify your view, building a broader consensus for a particular action or process.
Carefully choose the right words in expressing your thoughts and recommendations. They way you state your case can have a tremendous impact on how others receive your recommendations. For example, the right words can soften the negative effect on coworkers or hospital leaders with opposing viewpoints. As we all know, sometimes it's how you say something rather than what you say. This is part of office politics - making your point while maintaining strong, positive relationships.
Advantages of thinking ahead:
Enables you to be prepared to make the most informed decision possible
Gives you the confidence to present and support your views
Identifies obstacles and objections to be overcome
Fosters a teamwork approach to situations and helps build consensus
Enables you argue intelligently, for or against, other recommendations
Maintains positive relationships with your co-workers and hospital leadership
While thinking ahead takes more time and requires us to exert a little extra brain power, it most assuredly helps us to develop a more open-minded and logical way of solving problems. So the next time you find yourself in a situation where yours is but one of several recommendations on the table - think ahead. You just might discover that thinking ahead not only gives you a distinct advantage in preparing and defending your position, but it also builds your credibility for the future.
Mike
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