Sometimes, to get things done, you must get in “shark mode.” As a digital professional, this sometimes means a relentless pursuit of progress. Like a shark that smells blood in the water, you must be ready to chase down the answers, approvals, or actions you need to keep your project moving forward. This installment focuses on how to break through bureaucratic barriers, cut through red tape, and get things done.

Why You Need Shark Mode

Bureaucratic barriers can slow progress, create unnecessary delays, and frustrate your team. As a digital professional, it’s your job to break through these walls and ensure your project doesn’t stall because of needless obstacles. Here’s why you need to adopt the shark mindset:

• Smell the Blood: Identify the weak points in the process. When something isn’t moving fast enough, or people are dodging responsibility, recognize it immediately.
• Persistence Pays Off: Sometimes, more than submitting a request or waiting for a reply is needed. You have to chase people down until you get what you need.
• Cut Through Red Tape: Bureaucratic systems can create endless hoops. You must jump through them quickly and efficiently while not getting stuck in circles.

How to Get in Shark Mode

Here’s how to stay sharp, relentless, and proactive when bureaucratic hurdles are slowing things down:

• Chase Down Answers: Don’t wait for people to come to you. If someone hasn’t delivered what they promised, follow up immediately. Keep checking in until you get a concrete response. See a person’s name on a ticket? Ping them on your chat application if things are taking too long.
• Escalate When Necessary: Don’t hesitate to escalate the issue when you realize you’re being sent in circles or encountering stonewalling. Reach out to higher management or relevant stakeholders to get things moving.
• Be Strategic with Bureaucracy: Yes, you’ll need to submit tickets, fill out forms, or follow processes, but you should always be aware of when these systems are being used to delay or avoid responsibility. Know when to play the game and when to bypass it.
• Stay Focused: Don’t get distracted once you have your goal in sight. Whether it’s a signature, a decision, or a piece of information you’re waiting on, keep driving toward that outcome until you get it. If someone is working on it, ask to see the progress. One of my previous managers, Cat, always used to say: “If you’re not seeing the work, it probably means it doesn’t exist.”

The Fine Line: Shark Mode vs. Aggressiveness

Being in shark mode doesn’t mean being aggressive or pushy for no reason. It’s about being smart, relentless, and knowing when to escalate. Give people time to respond reasonably and recognize when others have a large workload. Sharks are efficient and purposeful, not reckless. Similarly, you must approach your project with focus and determination without burning bridges or creating unnecessary friction.

Getting in shark mode means relentlessness and decisiveness when things aren’t moving fast enough. In the face of bureaucratic barriers, it’s your job to push through, chase people down, and keep the project on track. Don’t let red tape, delays, or endless hoops slow you down. Get what you need when needed, and keep the momentum going.