It’s impossible to succeed in the workplace if you’re perceived as a “pushover” – that is, a person who is taken advantage of and, in some instances, actually pushed over. In fact, it is the second worst thing a person can be perceived as, following being perceived as a person who talks about nothing but timelines.
It’s easy to avoid being thought of as a pushover – and actually be perceived as “tough” – if you follow these six simple guidelines:
- Establish your boundaries. Then draw them using a thick magic marker. Make it clear that nobody is permitted to cross these boundaries without your approval. This process is the same as “protecting your turf” but a lot easier to demonstrate, since only 12 percent of working Americans know what “turf” is.
- Place a “kick me” sign on the boss’s back. You will become perceived as confident and fearless. Do not actually kick the boss, however, or you will become perceived as no longer having a job.
- Adopt a tough-sounding nickname – something like “Butch” or “Spike” if you’re male, “Sal” or “Tina” if you’re female. You can get people to start using your nickname by sending an instructional e-mail, including an effective date.
- Every so often, just to remind people, steal someone’s assignment and turn it in as your own. If anyone protests, tell them to keep quiet, adding either, “if you don’t want trouble” or “if you know what’s good for you.”
- Every so often say, “If you mess with me, you’re messing with the Monarchs (or the name of some other recognizable motorcycle gang.)”
- Don’t order starch in your dry-cleaned shirts and make sure everyone knows it.
