You arrive at work before your coworkers and you don’t have a key to the shop. You aren’t the one in charge; you aren’t even on the clock yet. It’ll be 15 minutes before someone else gets in to open the shop. But there’s a woman in the driveway who was just looking in the front door. She’s returned to her car and is sending an email on her cell phone. Obviously the reason she’s there is related to your shop.
So what do you do?
You’re in the shopping mall to grab a quick lunch and there’s a kid — probably about 6 years old — wandering among the racks in the store next door and there doesn’t appear to be any adults nearby. It’s probably okay; someone is surely keeping an eye on him… or are they?
What do you do?
The guy in the service bay is standing directly under an unsecured load. He seems to know what he’s doing and it really isn’t your place to tell him what to do.
Do you speak up or just hope for the best?
A crowd is gathering down the block and things are getting loud. It looks like some kind of demonstration or protest. You recognize the leader of the group from a previous encounter. Maybe you could say or do something to calm the mood.
Should you speak up or just remain silent?
You’re at a dinner with friends and they start discussing a subject that you’ve had experience with. The prevailing views are contrary to yours.
Do you share your knowledge or not?
You’re at a social event and you’re at the microphone making announcements when an emergency arises. It isn’t your event; you’re just reading some announcements.
Do you address the emergency or wait for someone in charge to take over?
Okay, I get it: Most of these are awkward situations where you aren’t really the one who should take action; in some cases you’d be unwelcome or unpopular for doing so.
But let me ask you a question: If you don’t, who will? Nearly everyone remembers the story of Kitty Genovese, the young woman who was stabbed to death outside her New York apartment while dozens of neighbors ignored her cries for help. Was it their job to step in? Yeah, I think it was.
It may take some finesse or diplomacy to handle some of these situations, but they can be handled. For example: At any event where you’re the one with the spotlight or microphone, you’re also the one person at that moment who can do the most to address any emergency. So take action and call for a doctor, evacuate the building, or find a solution. You’re in charge as long as you have the microphone.
When it comes to safety, like the unattended child in the store, the unsecured load hanging above a coworker, the angry crowd, or an emergency, you really should take action… or find someone who will.
And by the way, greet the woman waiting in your shop’s driveway and ask if there’s anything you can do to assist her until the shop opens. Even if there’s nothing you can do for her, it’s just common courtesy.
In instances of inconvenience or mere awkwardness, it’s up to you to act or not. But in every instance, if you find a need, find a way to fill it. If you can’t do it personally, contact someone who can. If it isn’t within your authority, notify someone who has the authority. If you aren’t sure what to do, seek advice.
Remember, the situation exists whether you’re connected to it or not. If you see a need, please consider this question:
If you don’t take action, who will?
Jim Cathcart is a strategic adviser for ATRA and a contributing editor to GEARS Magazine. His 17th book, The Self Motivation Handbook, was just published and is now available on Amazon. Contact him at www.TheMotivationExpert.com
