Are you playing the long game?

There was an argument between two people of different teams who were supposed to work together on a project. One of them refused to submit his portion of the deliverable. What seemed petty, escalated to a level that the CEO had to step in.

Here is how the original conversation followed:

CEO: So Amit (name changed), what is going on?

Amit: (Narrates the drama)

CEO: Amit, yours is a client facing job and you have really done well over the past many years. I have seen your ratings and they have only been consistently rising. I am proud to have someone like you in this organisation.

Amit: (Almost blushes)

CEO: But listen, I like conclusion on things. Please get this sorted with and I would like to see your deliverable within a week. 

Amit: Yes sir (Leaves the room)

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This is a true story. Amit was speaking with me and was completely disgruntled with the CEO’s behaviour and lack of empathy. The issue was resolved, however, the CEO lost Amit’s commitment forever. 

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Here is an alternate version of how the conversation could have been:

CEO: So Amit, what is going on?

Amit: (Narrates the drama)

CEO: Amit, yours is a client facing job and you have really done well over the past many years. I have seen your ratings and they have only been consistently rising. I am proud to have someone like you in this organisation.

Amit: (Almost blushes)

CEO: I also understand that if this has really escalated to me, then it must be exceptionally difficult circumstances for you.

Amit: Yes sir 

CEO: How does all of this affect you?

Amit: (More drama and details)

CEO: I understand this is difficult. You sound like even you would like a way out of this impasse. How do you propose we come to a conclusion?

Amit: (proposed solution)

CEO: You know that if you need any support, you can come around and meet me?

Amit: Yes sir (Leaves the room)

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As a leader, it is not hard to win a negotiation with your employees. They know you can fire them and they will usually not negotiate beyond a point. Winning a negotiation with your employees is like brining a gun to a knife fight. It is easy, and it is short game.

However, if you can make your employees feel that THEY won the negotiation when they walk out of the room; that is playing the long game.

Mudit Yadav

Founder

MY Success Coach

www.mysuccesscoach.in