Get it in Writing

Workplace Management

Mr. JV was one tough police officer, and was called a super cop. During his tenure, he has handled some of the worst communal riots, organized crime and other forms of violence with extraordinary success. During his charge, he was subject to excessive political and other interdepartmental pressures but nobody could budge him. When he became the police commissioner of a tough city, many felt he would not last more than a few months due to the intense pressures of the underworld and political compulsions. But, he was there to stay, and could not be shaken for more than three years.

Crooked politicians and shady businessmen would often put pressure on him to have their choice of police officers posted in their localities so that they could go scot-free in their crimes. But Mr. JV always had one simple technique to handle such questionable requests. He would calmly ask them to give a written request along with their signatures, explaining why they need specific police officers into their localities. Naturally, no one was willing to give their intentions in writing. So their black intentions would not succeed.

This technique of getting things in writing can be very effectively used in our workplace also. Though it seems so ordinary this technique has proved to be very successful in protecting hundreds of employees from hostile workplace situations. One of the biggest reasons why troubles erupt in workplaces is due to verbal communication. Stated in a simple way your managers, customers, or colleagues say they want something, but you understand it as something else or simply forget about it. The next day there will be some fireworks and counter-arguments. A typical workplace conversation can easily resemble the one below.

Rob: ‘Why didn’t you send me that report last Friday?’

Tim: ‘What report? I don’t remember. When did you tell me?’