This week’s post is about the concept of acting under a “topsy-turvy” mindset. Sometimes, the best move is to flip the situation on its head. What does that mean exactly? This source explains what topsy-turvy is really about. A topsy-turvy maneuver can be countless things, but it basically translates to creating the advantage by flipping things around. One way that a leader can be topsy-turvy is by creating leverage.

Unfortunately, sometimes things can turn nasty whether or not someone goes searching for it. I have had things fall at my feet or knock on my door several times in the past. Some people do not respond to reason and some situations do not allow for a calm and collected approach. Often, one approach is to come at it from the inside out… I’m not talking guerrilla warfare but close.

One way to make creating leverage work is by understanding the personalities and relationships of the people around you. You have to be observant. There are times that you might be your only resource at the forefront… or so it seems, so you have to look at the schematics. If someone is throwing weight around, trying to make you feel small, or targeting you because they are threatened by you, it is time to fight. Things can get out of hand and slip away from you, and your well-being in an organization or wherever else can be at risk. If someone has to take the fight to HR with ammunition and reinforcements so HR gets the point, if they have to find commonality in others or the common denominator to put management to the fire, or whatever it may be, then so be it.

Like I said, it can always look different. That is why people have to think outside-of-the-box and practice it. The message has to come across clearly how imperative of an issue it is. Something to note is that, when a manager or representative says they are going to “talk to” someone, that is a typical sign that things are going to get nowhere. You have to fight harder and have more reinforcements with you when you speak to someone if you need to. If they say “I’ll talk to them,” let them know the other options that you can take if needed. Tell them that you have records (and keep records) of everything, and say that you will take any kind of retaliation as a threat. Tell them that, if the issue is not resolved, you will do whatever you have to.

One thing to remember is that it is likely someone else is having the same problem that you are. That may be an option to pursue. However, you also might be alone in your endeavor. What do you do if a manager is the problem? What do you do if more than one manager is the problem? What if the issue person is friends with a manager? What if no one is going to directly help you? What do you do? Also, when you come out of the other side, remember the people that didn’t help you because they aren’t the kind that you want in your circle in the end. Make sure you send emails from the beginning, include people in them if you have to, and stay on it.

Of course, this is a last resort type of mindset. I always want to be sure that people have the opportunity to do their job and take the appropriate action. They may even need to be reminded a couple of times. People are human and have their own lives they have to live. Start with the more simplistic stuff, but be ready. Most people feel defeated if they speak to a manager and the manager does nothing. They may feel like something is over even before it starts, but I would encourage and redirect them. There is no need to feel defeated or hopeless. You can find a whole bag of tricks you didn’t even know you had before if you look for it. I always think about the brick wall mentality. Some people see it and walk away. Some people attempt to go under it, around it, or over the top of it. However, it is likely that they can find something to smash through it or other people to help them with it. Keep that in mind.

I mentioned a topsy-turvy maneuver can be several things, and dealing with people is certainly one of them. However, it can also involve matters that don’t deal with people at all. Maybe it is finding a creative solution to a problem. It can be turning shortcomings into the advantage. One thing I know for certain is that topsy-turvy is an adapted mindset that one learns how to use when relevant situations arise. It is invaluable for a person’s arsenal. I encourage you to consider the topsy-turvy maneuver and research it. Don’t give up.

This article discusses how facing adversity has benefits such as creating resiliency and how that helps with career success. It discusses how children who are resilient to adversity can grow into strong entrepreneurs. Adversity can be pivoted to a position of power or authority. This is what a topsy-turvy mindset is all about.

Is there a situation you need to flip upside down?

-Ryan