How do you know you are setting up a precedent? In business we make decisions not always understanding the full consequences of our actions. We agree to an exception and then it is seen as the norm and we never anticipated the consequences of our actions.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when you make a decision: What if someone asked me for the same thing in a weeks time? How would you feel reading it in the press?
New managers fall into this trap, so ensuring this is a early coaching conversation is really important to ensure they don’t create situations that they find hard to back track.
Examples are agreeing to a new flexible work arrangement. Once in place can you support others who will ask for the same? What are the rules you have in place to manage further requests? What are the messages you need to send to others to communicate the requirements to meet those new rules?
Angela Lovegrove 