3 Times Its Better to Take the High Road

3 Times Its Better to Take the High Road3 Times Its Better to Take the High RoadConfronting someone at the office can be one of the toughest things to learn how to do. But it can be just as difficult to know when not to confront them. No matter what stage youre at in your career, youll be faced with situations wherbeie its best to take the high road- to just let an idea drop or let an opinion go in order to maintain your credibility, your professional reputation, and, frankly, your sanity.So, how do you know when its time to take a step back, instead of fighting for your side? Weve picked three situations where you should recognize when its time to back down.When Youre WrongSometimes, we get so entrenched in an idea that we keep fighting for it, even if its not necessarily the right approach. But keep in mind that its not weak, misguided, or wishy-washy to retreat from a position when you realize that someone elses idea might be better. It actually shows that youre a logical person w ith the ability to react appropriately to new information.Natalie Pokvitis, an account manager for a software company, recalls a time when standing her ground backfired. I was working with a colleague on an elaborate marketing event to promote our products, and I kept arguing with her every step of the way, she says. The event turned out to be a huge success due to her planning, and by picking apart her ideas, I ended up looking immensely petulant.If you realize that your idea might not be the right one- or that an idea you were initially skeptical of is a good one- you can professionally show that youve changed your mind by saying something like, After seeing the data for the project, I realized that your suggestion to make an update would be beneficial. What can I do to help?When you back down, you prove that youre placing the success of the project above your own personal agenda- which means that next time you do choose to hold your ground, your colleagues will know that youre do ing it for the right reasons.When You Dont Have CloutYou know that new hire who seems to undermine her boss at every turn- always thinking that she has the real answers? Dont be that person. Of course, you should never be afraid to express your opinions and ideas, but if your boss has taken them into account and made a different decision, continuing to fight for your side can make you seem defensive, or worse, like a know-it-all.Ive seen the negative consequences firsthand with one of my co-workers, who has repeatedly voiced her dislike for the company website updates- even though upper management likes them and analytics show that theyve been successful. She has very little influence on the decision-making process, so her constant complaints make her seem like she just wants to pick a fight. And as a result, no one in the organization now wants to ask for her opinion on other projects, because they expect shell be difficult to deal with.Remember that you dont always have a clear pi cture of all of the variables that influence a situation. If your boss has made a decision, especially one backed with strong evidence and support from the rest of the team, its usually best to back down.When the Situation Becomes ExplosiveSometimes, you are right. Sometimes, you do have clout. But sometimes, your co-worker or boss escalates a situation beyond what is reasonable. And when this happens, its best to walk away from the situation. When conflicts move from constructive discussions to yelling and name-calling, being right is much less important than being professional.If you realize that a discussion is getting unnecessarily heated, first try to refocus the conversation. You might say, I know we both have the same goals here- lets try to get back to that. If the person youre speaking with continues to get angry, calmly tell him or her your plan to leave the discussion. Try saying, I think its best that we take a step back and think about this tomorrow. And if we need anot her opinion, Ill ask our boss to join us in the meeting.Make sure you keep your emotions under control (and also keep your boss apprised of whats going on). Dont allow yourself get caught in a situation that could ruin your professional reputation just to make sure your ideas are heard.In geschftsleben and in life, you wont always get the last word in. But, sometimes its best to take the high road and be professional, show that youre a team player, or avoid a tense situation. In the end, knowing when to let go is just as important as knowing when to stand your ground.Photo courtesy of Ryan M.