What It Means to Push Back as a Program Manager

Do you remember kindergarten? Good times, right? Except for that kid that really got on your nerves. You’re not sure why, but he was always in your face. He would take your toys and crowd your space. He would talk while you tried to talk, and even tried to take your friends away. He would tattle to the teacher. What was his problem?

One day, he crossed the line. He got too close, took the wrong toy, bumped into you…who knows… but you just cracked and pushed him to the ground. As he sat there crying, you kind of felt pretty good that you stood up for yourself. Welcome to your first experience of pushing back, literally.

Fast forward two or three decades, and you’re no longer in kindergarten. Really, you’re not, despite how some of your co-workers may act. As a program manager, you are responsible for a portfolio of projects and business operations, and have done well for yourself. Unfortunately, some things haven’t changed; your nemesis is still there. Sure, he looks different. He’s all grown up now. But he’s still the same kid, crowding your space, stealing your resources, taking what does not belong to him, making unreasonable demands and tattling to your boss.

You would just love to push that person to the ground like you did in kindergarten! After careful consideration, you come to the conclusion that it’s not the best course to take and you refrain. Still, you wonder how to be a program manager that pushes back.

What Does it Mean to Push Back?

Depending upon your background, how you were raised, religious and moral inclinations, and myriads of other variables, you may be programmed to go out of your way to help others. If people ask you for something, you feel it is your duty and obligation to deliver on their request. That mindset may work in personal situations, however, in business that approach is a very different animal. You may be requested to do something that is in direct opposition to what would benefit you and your company. Or, people within your own organization may not be as forthcoming with information.

Pushing back means that you’re not going fulfill every request or be satisfied with every answer you get. You can’t. Some people will get in your face and try to take as much as they can, or will give as little as possible until you stand up and say “No, that won’t work for me.”

But, HOW can you push back when someone pushes too far? Read on for 3 Ways You can Push Back as a Program Manager.