Workplace Personalities - The WIC
Monday, March 30, 2009 at 9:51PM 
WIC = Why I Can't
No matter what you ask this person to do, they will give you a reason why they can't do it.
And it isn't just a concise, legitimate reason.
Nope.
It's a stooooooooory.
You see, the reason why they can't help you, can't execute the task, can't deliver to the deadline is because the organization isn't structured right, they don't have the right resources, they have a complicated chronic health problem, they don't have access to the right equipment, you're making them work with someone who doesn't have the right skills, and on and on and on.
And then they'll tell you how that situation arose, because you need to understand the entire history and context.
"Once upon a time we were going to do X and then Y changed jobs and then Z took away the budget and then..."
It's not that they're the problem, you understand. They're very competent. No. It's forces beyond their control that are causing the situation. It's not their fault.
Meetings with this kind of person are interminable. Getting one agenda item covered is a miracle. No matter how much you believe in being polite, you find yourself interrupting to stem the flow of WIC, WIC, WIC.
To sum this person up, think about a cartoon character rubbing their eyes as large tears spout out at 45 degree angles on either side of their heads. Boo hoo hoo!
Key signs: Excuses, excuses, excuses
Key phrase: I won't be able to do that because...
Your Strategy:
You'll be tempted to counter each obstacle they throw at you with a mitigation that you can execute.
DO. NOT. DO. THIS. Because this is exatly what the WIC wants. He or she wants you to deal with the problem.
There is one and only thing to say:
[Insert name here], it's important that we get this done. I know that you can find a way to do it by [insert deadline here]. And now, if you'll excuse me, I have to [insert reason to leave here].
Their comeuppance:
Confirm what you have told them in the Strategy section, above, in an email, adding "If there are any issues that are going to cause a delay, please let me know and cc [insert their boss or, if you are their boss, your boss' name here] at least [insert reasonable mitigation time period here] before [insert deadline here].
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Reader Comments (1)
You've hit a rich seam of potential here. :)