When you look at some of the things that are required in your work, some of the tasks you are asked to do can go against your personal integrity. It is not uncommon for people to twist themselves into pretzels in order to meet the monthly bills and support their family. This can often get out of hand depending upon the type of profession in which you work on a daily basis.
If you work as a CEO or other type of administrator that oversees the work of others, you can often be pressured into doing things that go against your morals. This can involve pressure from above to do unethical things that force other workers to quit and other types of politics that go on in the workplace. Perhaps you work in sales and keeping your job is dependent upon commissions and your sales quota so you are often forced to do things that are against your integrity to keep your job.
These are only a few examples of how your work can go against your personal integrity and values. If you take personal inventory you can probably come up with some other ways that work violates your integrity and personal values. Although you are an employee, you still have rights on the job as an individual and many people forget this out of fear of losing their job if they speak up. However, there are ways that you can stand up for yourself in a manner that is reasonable and justified.
1Diagnose the Situation
If you are feeling pressured or pushed around at work, step back and take a look at the problem. It is obvious there is a problem if you are feeling pressured and your gut feeling that something is amiss will tell you so, too. Try to identify why you are feeling pressure or pushed down and decide if you own the problem or if it belongs to someone else. If you own the problem it makes it easier for you to stand up for yourself in a professional manner. There is always more than one way of doing things so try to come up with a solution that you feel comfortable with and then make the suggestion.
2Stay Calm When Speaking Up
If you are feeling pressured to do something that makes you uncomfortable, speak your mind in a professional manner and stay calm when you state your case. If you stand up straight and speak in a calm tone of voice it will not be interpreted as unprofessional and the person you are expressing your concerns to will be less likely to react in a defensive manner.
If they do react in a defensive manner and start to verbally berate you, simply say in a quiet tone of voice, “Excuse me...I will return when we can discuss this in a civil manner” and then leave. This will catch the person that is being unreasonable off guard and make them think about their actions. When you return they will most likely approach the situation in a much different manner since you have demonstrated in a professional way that they cannot intimidate you.
Most people that act unreasonable on the job do so as a defense mechanism and to manipulate people. If you show them that you are onto their game they will most likely change their demeanor and act civil toward you.
3Provide Alternatives
If you are being coerced into something that violates your integrity and values, listen to the person who is pressuring you and make sure you make it known that you heard them. People like to know they are heard and will react positively when they know you are listening.
Hear them out, repeat some of the things they said so they know you heard them, and then come up with some alternatives. You could say something like, “Well, I feel I could accomplish more for the company if...” If you make it look more like it benefits the organization the person will most likely comply with your wishes. Whatever you say always make it about them instead of you.
You could also respond with a question that does not indicate that the person pressuring you is wrong. You ask a question like, “What would you think if we did this?” This way you are encouraging the person to think and you are also asking them for their opinion which shows respect.
4Don’t Allow It to Build Up
If you are constantly being pressured to do things that do not align with your personal values, avoid allowing things to build up inside of you. If you allow things to simmer eventually you will blow up and then rectifying the situation will be impossible. Instead, speak up professionally and express your concerns as things transpire. Try to offer solutions and alternative ways of doing things, which will make you more comfortable.
5Don’t Assume Others Are Mind Readers
Always speak your mind in a professional manner to let others know where you stand. Don’t assume others will read your mind, and when you speak up don’t apologize for it. If you are being asked to do something unethical sometimes this even means you have to say “no”. Sometimes others will test you to see how much they can get away with, including your superiors. Your superiors are human beings too and often need to be shown where the boundaries are so they know when they have crossed the line.
Although you may have superiors at work, remember that you still have rights so don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself when you are uncomfortable. A lot of superiors will keep pushing until they know where the boundaries are. In most cases they will stop the nonsense when they are provided with limits. If they think they can get away with it they will keep pushing. If you show you are afraid to stand up for yourself people will prey on you to do things which are against your integrity and moral values. If you stand up for yourself most people will respect you for it and treat you like a professional in return.
