Grant Neeley is a Navy Reserve Public Affairs Officer who most recently served as the PA operations chief in Afghanistan. In civilian life, he is a professor and political science department chair at the University of Dayton.
Ever been offered an opportunity in your organization outside of your area of expertise? Turned back to your normal everyday grind and went on about your business. Smart, right? Focus on what you know, be an expert, stay in your lane.
Maybe, but what did you miss out on? Did you stop to evaluate who was offering the opportunity? Was it something with real potential – maybe even of strategic organizational importance?
Before you dismiss opportunities out-of-hand, evaluate the cost and consequence of declining – not having a seat at the table as the organization moves forward on the new initiative. Do you risk not being asked again? Do you become the guy or gal who gets the reputation of always saying no, I’m too busy, or it’s not my area? Best case – you are on the sideline watching the team go down the field without you. Worst case – the team scores and the coach wonders if he really needs you.
While we have to guard our time, energy, and efforts – we also have to watch where our team is headed – even if we have to learn some new plays.
