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May 4, 2001

Irrational Rationalizations

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There is a line in "The Big Chill" where Jeff Goldblum's character states, "Just try going one day without a big juicy rationalization?" With the current high-tech climate what it is, it seems a lot of people are cranking up the rationalization engine in an effort to either assuage their own guilt or deflect blame for their actions onto others. In either case, it is more and more likely that you may run into this situation so I wanted to forewarn you that these rationalizations often have little to do with the quality of your work.

On the bubble

A close personal friend in the entertainment industry recently found out that they are "on the bubble" in regards to having their contract renewed. Her work had been well regarded over the previous 2 contract periods years so she found it hard to understand this. In talking with her agent she found out the largest complaint about her was not her work or her work habits, but the fact that she "finishes [her bosses'] sentences." Further, her boss said that she annoyed her co-workers as well with this rude habit.

As you might imagine she was confused and angry and immediately started to reconsider every meeting, every phone call and every other contact with her boss. Had she really been doing this? Was the problem so bad as to be the main issue in renewing her contract? Like anyone she took this issue personally and it really began to weigh on her mind. I will now tell you what I told her.

When someone whips out an issue such as this, it has nothing to do with your work or you as a person. Comments such as this tell you much more about the other person than about you. What I see here is a sense of fear. My friend's boss can't deal with competition. The boss has shown that in many other prior occasions. One by one, the best workers have been ushered out because they presented a threat. Since the boss cannot admit to having this problem, they find any possible excuse, no matter how absurd, to rationalize their response. Some managers will also begin manufacturing work issues in an attempt to assuage their own guilt over what they are doing. I am constantly amazed how a manager can suddenly find so much to criticize in a worker who has been receiving glowing evaluations year after year.

I would guess that many of you have experienced situations much like the one above. Worse still. the slowing high-tech market is sure to increase the instances of irrational rationalization. When you are confronted by a situation like this, there are some very important items to remember.

Their problem, not yours

First, when faced with an irrational rationalization, you must recognize it for what it is. Do not begin the destructive cycle of self-doubt. This is exactly what your boss wants. It deflects you from seeing the absurdity of what was said and saves management from any feelings of guilt. I would even suggest having a good laugh, even if only to yourself, over the ridiculous nature of the comment.

Second, don't try to bargain with management over the situation. Truth be told, you could change your behavior totally and it would not be enough to satisfy management. Remember, rational responses to an irrational response get you nowhere. This is because you are not addressing the true problem, the manager's feelings of inadequacy. If you truly want to keep your job, then you need to go over your bosses' head and point out the absurdity of the situation to their manager. While this probably won't save your job it might make you feel a little better.

Third, question openly any attempt to show that the rest of the staff is on the manager's side in the issue. In my friend's case, she knew from previous conversations that the rest of the staff disagreed with the manager. It was just an additional attempt by the manager to further rationalize their actions.

Now certainly, if you know that you are doing a lousy job then this scenario probably doesn't apply to you. In my experience, though, the fact that you do "too good of a job" can often cause people to single you out for attack.

It is very difficult to deal with irrational situations like this, but your first thought should be for yourself. You know you are doing good work and nothing your manager may say can change that. Recognize irrational rationalizations for what they are and find yourself a better job. It might sound cliché, but, even if your manager doesn't realize it, the company will be worse off for having lost your talents.

about this column.

Douglas E. Welch is a freelance writer and computer consultant in Van Nuys, California. Readers can discuss career issues with other readers by joining the Career Opportunities Discussion on Douglas' web page at: http://www.welchwrite.com/dewelch/ce/

He can reached via email at douglas@welchwrite.com