When Is It Right to Escalate? And, How?

We’ve all heard the phrase, “don’t escalate things.” Especially, in the context of work. But, what if there were moments when escalation, done in the right way and with the right intention, was actually the right move?

And, what if there were situations when staying silent, or refusing to push an issue further, actually made a difficult work circumstance worse? 

That’s what we’re talking about today, building upon a recent conversation on the SPARKED podcast with Deborah T. Owens , an executive coach and corporate trainer with 20 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies.

Escalating a difficult work issue can be uncomfortable, but done right it has the potential to resolve problems more effectively. Here are some tips for determining when and how to elevate an issue in a productive way.

Identify the purpose.

Before escalating, clarify your intentions. Are you seeking resolution, clarity, growth, progress, or a better understanding? Is it about “setting the record straight,” or keeping your file clean? Or, is there something else, maybe more personal driving it? Focus on facts and beneficial outcomes, not anger or retribution.

Evaluate your options.

Take stock of all possible solutions, from speaking with your direct manager again to elevating the issue higher. Consider who actually has the power to enact meaningful change, along with who will be the best position to leverage that power to drive a resolution. If it makes sense for your unique circumstance, consider not limiting yourself to your immediate chain of command if they can't or won’t resolve the problem.

Reflect on the scenarios.

Explore the best, worst and most likely outcomes of both escalating and also doing nothing. This can bring clarity, dial down any doomsday scenarios you may be spinning, and counter them with more realistic possible outcome. It also brings in the often-ignored “do nothing” scenario which can actually be the least desirable outcome.  In most cases, inaction slowly makes problems worse over time. Ask yourself if inaction aligns with your values and with the way you want to feel moving forward

Focus on facts, not feelings.

When deciding to move forward with escalating an issue, stick to the specifics, the narrowest, most incontrovertible facts, rather than any and every possible fact. Provide relevant documents, data and examples. Avoid accusing others or approaching the problem with anger. Frame your request as an opportunity for mutual understanding and improved partnership.

Follow up in writing.

Once a misunderstanding or lack of clarity has been resolved through escalation, follow up with a written summary to confirm outcomes and next steps. Schedule recurring check-ins with your manager to avoid future issues.

While uncomfortable, escalating issues through the right approach with the right intentions has the potential to lead to better resolutions, relationships and work experiences. Start by reflecting on how you can elevate issues productively - it just might yield positive change.

For a deeper dive and more detailed transformative strategies, be sure to tune into the full SPARKED podcast episode.

#careeradvice #conflict #professionalgrowth

— This week’s SPARKED Tools & Resources —

While a lot is changing in the world of work and business these days that present new challenges like the influx of artificial intelligence or navigating remote workplace dynamics, some things will always stay the same, like the constant hustle to achieve more work-life balance or better time management skills.

There's always going to be something you could do differently to tweak your workflows or change your operations at work for the better. So if you need an idea or some direction this week, go ahead and take a look at the resources rounded up below! We hope you find them as helpful as we did!

How embracing artificial intelligence is getting workers ahead. You might have only heard worrying news about the rise of AI so far. However, this article might help change your mind about new tools like ChatGPT and unveil the bright side of using AI in the workplace to speed up workflows.

6 time management hacks to regain your energy. With more of us working at home than ever or adopting more flexible schedules, it's no surprise that maintaining a work-life balance is a bit harder these days. If you've found yourself feeling drained or constantly stretched thin by your schedule, discover six powerful strategies to help you reclaim your calendar and your energy from leadership coach Tugba Yanaz.

How to actually start the task you've been avoiding. Usually, when we procrastinate, it's because we don't want to confront the uncomfortable feeling that arises when we take the plunge into doing the work. In this article, get schooled on a new skill called transitioning that will help you face your hard-to-do tasks head-on and increase your productivity at work.

A sniffed-at trait may be vital to your company hitting its goals. According to the author Michelle Lederman, achieving "relationship equity" in the workplace will soon become a critical priority for leaders, and at the root of it is a key skill, empathy. Learn more about the future of relationship building and equity at work and why empathy matters in this interview with Lederman.

— Let’s Stay Connected —

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