Option 1: Go straight to the vice president and get support for your idea.

Option 2: Argue with Tim until he sees how right you are.

Option 3: Approach Tim, acknowledge his concerns and tell him you'd still like to share the idea with the vice president.

Option 4: Forget the whole thing so you don't turn Tim into an enemy.

If you go straight to the vice president you risk being seen as sneaky. Arguing with Tim probably won't get you any further. And if you drop the whole thing the company loses out on a potential great idea and you and others will be afraid to speak up in the future. The diplomatic and ethical thing to do is Option 3. Tim may not agree with your plan, but at least you're forthright.

Knowing how to diplomatically navigate sticky situations can either improve your career or take you off course, says OfficeTeam staffing service. Even the way you react to trivial events can impact your career, they say.

For example, what if you've been asked to hire the boss's daughter for the summer? She's not suited for your department-even for three months. It might seem best to tell the boss your concerns and offer to help find her a different job. But you risk insulting the boss. You could go to your immediate supervisor, but that seems like shirking your responsibilities. To keep the peace, you can agree to bring her on board which could be disastrous.

The best solution is to ask the boss if you could meet with his or her daughter before making the decision-just as you would any job candidate-- to make sure this is the best fit for everyone. Your decision is based on an interview, not your preconceived notions. Plus you demonstrate your professionalism and open-mindedness, qualities that will enhance your career.

© by Andrea Kay