One of my former bosses gave me a profound piece of advice that, over the years, has become increasingly valuable. It applies to not only the workplace but also in life - ‘pick your battles’. It's about knowing when to fight for something, and when to rethink your strategy. 

The concept is broken down into three aspects:

1. Can I win this fight?

This one is fairly simple - don't engage in battles you cannot win. Consider the situation, think about all the aspects, and be honest with yourselves - can you succeed? If not, then don't embark on a pointless endeavour.

I can share an example of this. I've had an instance in the past when there was going to be a change that impacted me, my department, my staff, and our area. I knew that this change was inevitable. It was coming from much higher up in the organisation than me or my boss and wasn't something we could change. There was no sense wasting time and energy fighting an unwinnable battle.

In this example I knew the best course of action was to not fight it, but to embrace the change. I was then able to look at the smaller details that I had control and influence over. I was never going to stop the change from happening - but I could mitigate and protect my staff.

2. Is it worth it?

Look at the battle and consider if you engage in it - will the result justify the efforts put in to win it? Instead of the common saying “the ends justify the means” look at the means and consider if the end is worth it. Do you feel passionately about it?

If you burn yourself out for two weeks on something, fighting a battle, and the end result is something small and trivial - did you really win? You could have used that time and effort doing something else.

3. If I win, what will be the outcome / impact?

This last one ties into the “is it worth it” concept a bit - but the idea is to consider the end impact and cost after the battle is over.

For example, if you proceed with a new project that had a limited benefit - but in the end, you ruin your good working relationship with another department because of how it impacts them, it may not be worth it. Did you have to call in all of your favours with a particular person to win? Did you really do what is best? Consider the end consequences.

It applies to work and in life.

One thing that dawned on me As I considered this advice more is - this applies to life as well.

Think about the three aspects above and the idea of “picking your battles”. I am certain there are times in your life you can use those three criteria to help you decide when to fight and when to change tact.