Clarity and communication are common themes in our improvement episodes. Those are most important when you need to know who you work for. Which master do you serve? The mistake highlighted this time is among many in a situation gone wrong. It also shows how some oversights or missteps can open the door to significant consequences. It does not hurt to be cautious in the modern business world. Things can change quickly.

Important Clarification - Know Who You Work For

There are competing goals and objectives even within companies. When you add on top of that all of the politics and maneuvering that exists in many environments, things can get complicated. Even more important, your boss is not always the one that signs your check. You may have customers or other influencers in the supply chain that you need to serve. You can not make everyone happy all the time. Therefore, make sure there is clarity about who you work for so you can keep them happy at least.

The Lesson Learned

The best professionals find ways to avoid conflicts as much as possible. They wait patiently and avoid stepping into minefields. Unfortunately, that is not always possible, nor are the minefields evident in all situations. This lesson is one like others we have seen. Make sure you understand where you stand and what your limits are. That includes how much you are allowed to impact a situation. Sometimes the best way to make progress is to accept a meandering path. Also, sometimes you must realize you are a follower, not a leader.

If you like this season, you will probably like Scott Adams' book, "How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life."

Know Who You Work For - Lines Are Not Always Clear