Saying Yes

The strategy of saying yes to every new opportunity or assignment in the workplace has often been touted by consultants speaking on the importance of a positive attitude. Stories are told of the person who tackled the new and challenging assignment, consequently established a reputation as a serious performer, and then moved up the ladder on the basis of that achievement.

What is not recounted is how an indiscriminate assumption of assignments can lead to disaster. It can overload the person's work day, result in mediocre performance, distract from the real mission or power centers, and burden the individual with expectations for years to come. In the brutal world of office politics, I've seen people who were offered grand opportunities by Machiavellians who were far from friends. Each opportunity had positives but wrapped within was a "poison pill" that would ultimately remove or diminish the person as a rival.

For example, an overseas assignment may be a great chance to gain experience in international issues and negotiations. If the posting lasts too long, however, it may remove the executive or manager from the scene. People taking such assignments might be wise to negotiate their remaining on important committees, contributing to widely-distributed reports, and being able to return for conferences and briefings so they don't become "out of sight, out of mind."