Quick Question: who is your most important internal stakeholder?
- Staff
- Boss
- Bosses’ boss
- Lunch buddy
- Management peers
Did you pick one? Want to choose two? Or did you want to select the only suggestion missing from this answer set – ‘All of the above’?
Actually, it’s a trick question. In the grand scheme of things, all your internal stakeholders are essential (especially the lunch buddy, ahem, hello, work husband!)
But none of them are as important as you.
It is your career, your time, your commitment, your responsibility. Your decisions will directly impact your reputation, personal brand and future.
So, when facing a conundrum at work (or even in life), ask yourself what you would want to happen if you were the key stakeholder.
It can genuinely help resolve ethical dilemmas and issues within working relationships or negotiations.
You need to be really clear on what defines success for you.
It might involve cost savings, achieving objectives or a shared goal, or ensuring you get out the door on time to manage the other parts of your life.
Work-life is much less blurry and stressful when you are clear about why you are doing it and what you want to achieve.
Regarding yourself as a crucial key stakeholder will also remind you to take time out for self-care—whether that means making sure you have a lunch break every day, not working too many discretionary hours, or stealing moments to reflect on your own performance.
So, here’s to you. May you always be your own favourite stakeholder.