Make the Most of a Difficult Situation: Solutions to Get You Through

Make the Most of a Difficult Situation:

Solutions to Get You Through

Jill Hurst-Wahl@jill_hw

July 16, 2012

Syracuse University School of Information StudiesAssociate Professor of PracticeDirector, Library & Information Science Program

Consultant, Speaker, AuthorThe Information and Knowledge Professional’s Career Handbook: Define and Create Your Success with Ulla de Stricker

Has had several careers/jobs, each with their own set of diffi cult situations.

WHO IS JILL?

NO ONE IS IMMUNE FROM DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

A situation:that you do not likethat you do not know how to handlewhere you don’t think you have any options

that is a surpriseFor example:

New technology implementationsOrganizational downsizingInterpersonal conflicts

WHAT IS A DIFFICULT SITUATION?

Learn about the situation, what has created it and possible solutions.Don’t make assumptions.

Assess the external environment and its impact on the situation and/or possible solutions.

Brainstorm.Pull together as a team.Build support / Find a mentor.

TIPS FOR HANDLING A DIFFICULT SITUATION (1/2)

Learn how to listen to what is said and not said.

Talk one-on-one with the person causing you angst.

If is harassment, involve human resources.

If you need to leave the environment, have a strategy.

Remember the positives.Trust your gut.

TIPS FOR HANDLING A DIFFICULT SITUATION (2/2)

The organization has decided to reorganize. The department that you manage is now reporting to someone who doesn’t value what you do?

How would you handle this?

DIFFICULT SITUATION #1

Your boss generates many new ideas for your department and expects you to act on them all. Because of staffi ng and current priorities, this is causing conflicts.

How would you handle this?

DIFFICULT SITUATION #2

Your organization has decided to move from its current service model to one that will require staff to be on-call 24x7. This is raising many questions and everyone’s blood pressure.

How would you handle this?

DIFFICULT SITUATION #3

You’re getting a promotion, but the timing isn’t clear. You’re getting two different offi cial stories and neither makes sense.

How would you handle this?

DIFFICULT SITUATION #4

YOUR SITUATIONS?