In what smart people do when dumb things happen at work, author Charles E Watson offers tips for negotiating dilemmas that he believes could make or break your career. Excerpts from the book Dilemma 1 You are torn between taking up a high-paying job that doesn't fully interest you and work that you love, but doesn't pay that well. <img alt="" src="/imagedata/2010/dec/Choices.jpg" border="5" /> Tip: Clarify what you seek and decide the priority of your aims. Face the reality of mutual exclusivity and clarify which aims you want more than others.u00a0 Dilemma 2 An opening for which you are well-qualified exists within your organisation in another part of the country. The idea of advancement appeals to you, but the thought of moving bothers you. Tip: Know what's in your heart and follow it. Ask yourself which is the right option to take. Approach the situation with the following considerations: This is my choice, my life which I have to live; I will choose for myself. I'll opt for challenges in which I can make my mark over the security of the familiar and the safety of the fireside. Dilemma 3 It is time to decide whether you should pursue your dream of being self-employed or remaining loyal to your organisation for the security it offers. Tip: Open your eyes to the challenge of new endeavours. The realities of an undertaking are not as glamorous or as easy as they might seem at first glance. There's no substitute for first-hand information. Get a taste of what owning and operating a business of your own would be like.u00a0 Dilemma 4 You have an idea for improving the way things are done where you work, but your idea conflicts with established thinking and popular long-held beliefs. Tip: Be obedient to standards, not popular opinions. The belief that the accepted wisdom of the day is forever valid frequently hinders progress. Dilemma 5 Your boss assigned you to perform an important task and you botched the job because of a stupid mistake. You can try to escape responsibility by shifting blame to others and identifying conditions that led to the failure. Tip: Don't let clouds of doubt accumulate over you. When you make a mistake, admit it immediately and fix it. Your reputation is formed by more than just what you do. It's also formed by the troubles that surround you and by those with whom you associate. It's not enough to be blame-free. The best way to prevent the formation of a cloud of doubt is to stay away from undesirable types and be totally upfront with others when you're to blame. Dilemma 6 You observe what you believe to be wrongdoing on someone else's part. This person could make life difficult for you if you were to make an issue of what you saw. Tip: When you observe wrongdoing, confront the person immediately, but privately. Also, don't jump to conclusions. Too many innocent actions get mistaken for sinister deeds; too many perfectly understandable behaviors are mistakenly perceived to spring from despicable motives that observers ascribe to those they observe. The smart thing to do is to exercise caution. What smart people do when dumb things happen at work; Charles E Watson; Jaico, Rs 250; Available at leading bookstores.

In what smart people do when dumb things happen at work, author Charles E Watson offers tips for negotiating dilemmas that he believes could make or break your career. Excerpts from the book

Are you at a career crossroad?

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