Chasing shouldn’t be a part of any work culture. We are all adults, and we shouldn’t be spoon-fed. There should be set consequences for those who can’t prioritise their tasks and provide timely responses and feedback. Lately, I’ve noticed that professionals use the term “chase” quite frequently. It almost seems like they enjoy it. However, not many realise the negative effects that come with chasing. It not only overwhelms the chaser with a backlog of tasks, but it also puts other collaborators in a difficult position to accomplish their own goals on time. We should trust that people can manage their own responsibilities and not constantly tell them what to do. This practice should apply to all position levels in an organisation.
Personally, I don’t enjoy being chased, not because I don’t want to be bothered, but because I am confident about my set priorities as well as my ability to deliver on time. I feel like more people should adopt the culture of working like it’s clock-work. Being able to work diligently and independently means that employers and clients can trust you to get work done. This might result in you receiving more solo assignments or being called upon to train others to work in the same way. You might also be called upon to set up offices or projects where there is less support or structure in place. You might even be promoted or recognised because of your dependability, self-motivation, and productivity.
Chasing creates a sense of dependency, which can be detrimental to personal and professional development. When individuals feel like they are constantly being chased, it can hinder their ability to take initiative and be proactive. It stifles creativity and innovation, as individuals are always waiting for instructions instead of thinking for themselves. Furthermore, the impacts of chasing go beyond individuals, it affects the overall productivity and efficiency of teams and organisations. When people are constantly being chased, they may prioritise tasks based on the urgency of the chase rather than their actual importance. This can lead to a lack of focus on long-term goals and strategic initiatives. It also creates a culture of reactive rather than proactive decision-making, as individuals are always playing catch-up.
Chasing also has a negative impact on relationships within the workplace. When individuals feel like they are constantly being chased, it can lead to feelings of resentment and frustration. It creates a power dynamic where one party constantly has the upper hand, which can breed a toxic work environment. Additionally, it can damage trust between colleagues, as individuals may feel that their abilities and judgement are constantly being questioned.
I am not saying that my idea makes one inflexible, lack empathy or unwilling to cooperate. I just would like to understand why this chasing culture exists in the workplace. Is it really necessary? What’s the essence of being a professional? Is there a better way to manage tasks and expectations? Let’s take a moment to think about it.
Ultimately, I think that chasing is a symptom of a larger issue in our work culture – a lack of trust and empowerment. Instead of constantly chasing individuals, we should focus on building trust and empowering them to take ownership of their work. This means setting clear expectations, providing the necessary resources and support, and allowing individuals the autonomy to make decisions and take risks. By fostering a culture of trust and empowerment, we can create an environment where professionals can thrive and reach their full potential.
