Escalation at Work – How & When

TechnoparkToday.com> Escalating potential issues like security breach, harassment, bullying is quite easy to do as there is a structured framework to get it done. The end results of such issues are very serious and instantaneous.

However not at all times would anyone want to cause a serious harm to their co-worker. There might be occasions like right stakeholders not copied in emails regularly, single resource being loaded with enormous work, sickening smell of perfume and the regular late comer in meeting which need to be escalated.

Multiple techniques are followed by individuals to escalate a co-worker which works perfect. The below sequence would come handy to all those who want to escalate with an anticipation for change but never an intention to harm.

#1 Collection of Facts – Anything that happens occasionally never becomes a norm. It is better to have data handy on the issues you feel appropriate enough to be linked to the matter.

#2 Decide if it is required – After collecting the data and necessary inputs think and re-think if escalation is a must. There may be scenarios when you felt an urgent need to escalate but on giving it sometime, the impact comes down and you get a better insight to decide whether escalating is worth it or not.

#3 Expect diversified outcomes – Escalation is always a double edged sword. Expect the unexpected. Things might back fire. Assess the situation well and have points clearly stated to save you in case a need arises. Result sometimes might be severe than what you expected, which might cause guilt and sympathy on the co-worker. Plan well in advance to handle such times.

#4 Speak to the right person – Choosing the right person is another key. Don’t speak your heart to the manager; explain the issue with captured data points and the extent of harm or trouble it is to you. If required go for skip level meetings. Never demand an instant redressal. Also remember the manager is sure to have undergone conflict management training!

#5 Stay calm and maintain dignity – You, the manager and your co-worker whom you escalate – all have their own self esteem. Don’t attempt a dialogue process after taking up the issue with manager. If you feel one talk would help do if at early instances. Make sure every step is professional and never make any of it a personal rivalry. Follow ethical practices.

Escalation gets you results but repetitive escalation makes you weaker!!!

Author : Girija M