Natwerk Designs

Is it possible to be "too good" at your job?

I'm part of a department that has zero inclination to adopt anything new or innovative. I'm the new guy and while our Executive Manager insists that we need to think outside the box (and I agree with her) our Division Manager is resistant to trying anything new. Making things worse is another department member who is ultimately the one pulling the strings. The Division Manager literally does whatever she tells him to; it's very sad. I've been fighting an uphill battle to jumpstart some much needed innovation (I know this business very well and have a very strong track record of success to back up my ideas) yet my proposals are continually rejected in lieu of sticking with the same tired and failed processes that have our department "in the red." Now I fear that I may be labeled as someone who is "rocking the boat." Should I take the high road and continue to do what I know needs to be done to achieve success or let my colleagues sink our department through sheer laziness?

Public Comments

1. I would keep at what you know and try to make them listen or give your idea a try. I work at a CPA firm which is the ultimate in inside-the-box thinking. The first thing you learn is look at what "last year guy" did and do what they did. We are trying to change that mentality because sometimes there are better ways or the previous person didn't even do it right. How can they justify staying the course if it isn't working? Good luck! Or maybe you should make some extra money doing online surveys. What do I know?