Dear Dr. Mimi: People-Pleaser

Dear Dr. Mimi:
We have some potential big opportunities at work, and as the manager, I wanted to be inclusive so I asked for ideas from everyone. The problem is that some of their proposals clash with each other. Furthermore, we have a deadline, and some associates are taking too long to submit their ideas. I want to be liked by my team, but trying to please everyone is so stressful. What should I do?
—The Team Leader

Dear Team Leader:
I’m happy that you value getting different perspectives. Give people a true deadline and then share the proposals (with no names attached) that you find acceptable. Have people give their input on these either at a meeting or in writing, and then make a decision. Let people know that if they don’t share their ideas, they are giving up their right to complain later.
—Dr. Mimi

Written By

drmimi

  • Dear Dr. Mimi- Feeling Like A Failure

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I messed up at my job. We had a big project that I worked hard on, and it just wasn’t as successful as we had hoped. I feel like such a failure! How do I tell my boss about it?—Feeling Like a Failure Dear Feeling,It is hard when a project doesn’t go the…

  • Dear Dr. Mimi- Feeling Unfulfilled at Work

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I have been working in my current role at my organization for almost five years. While at first, the role was exciting and satisfying, recently I have found it to be more routine and unfulfilling. I don’t hate what I do, but I don’t love it either. What suggestions do you have in…

  • Role Ambiguity Hurts Everyone

    If job satisfaction and commitment are down, and turnover is up, role ambiguity may be the cause. As organizations navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, addressing role ambiguity is essential for fostering a healthy, motivated, and productive workforce. What is role ambiguity? It is characterized by uncertainty about work responsibilities, roles, and authority. Who…