Actually, Maybe Not: A Study of Definitive Non-Commitment
By: Your Boss is Watching You, Office Politics Pitfalls Editor
When it comes to office politics, there's one thing that's more important than any other: saying "maybe". It's a delicate art that requires a delicate touch, but when done right, it can save your career, or ruin it. In this special report, we'll delve into the art of actually, maybe not, and explore the fine line between commitment and cowardice.
So, how do you navigate this treacherous landscape? Our expert sources (okay, it's just your coworker Dave) say the key is to always, always, always use the word "maybe".
- Maybe we can do it by Friday?
- Maybe, I'll get back to you on that.
- Maybe, I'm not saying yes, but I'm not saying no either.
But what about when the stakes are higher?
What happens when the boss says "yes, we're going to do it by Friday" and you're secretly thinking "no way, we're not going to get it done by Friday"? Do you:
- Bluff and pretend to be on board?
- Tell them to "maybe" it by the end of the quarter?
- Just nod and hope no one notices you're lying?
Our experts (Dave, again) suggest that, in this case, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Just go with option 3.
For more on this topic, and many more office politics pitfalls, visit: