What is Upset Math?

Many arguments and misunderstandings in the workplace can be tied back to a simple idea: Upset Math. This occurs when someone in the heat of an argument or discussion, grossly overstates a number or concept.

"You're late to work all the time," you might hear when in reality, it's only happened a couple of times. But one of those occasions may have come at a bad time for the other party. Suddenly the issue is magnified and you may feel like you're standing in front of a dam of complaints that is about to burst. Is it better to stay quiet or set the record straight?

Sometimes Upset Math occurs when a person of importance in an organization makes a comment that, in reality, bears no basis on fact. Suddenly a remark like, "Your sales team failed to reach its goal because we had two full moons this month," is universally accepted. Perhaps this is a way to cover up the fact that the recession is cutting into business and there's nothing to be done about it. That's a frightening and hard thing to face rather than letting some quirky event take the blame. But will this illusion serve your company?

If Upset Math becomes a part of your organization, your team could be in trouble. It distracts from real problems and solutions. It encourages blame and backstabbing. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you are a victim of this behavior.

It's very hard to argue with someone whose argument has no basis in fact. Before long these things become shouting matches. It's never good to be a part of one of these. Resist the urge to fight back at that moment.

Go and do your homework. Check the facts and figures. Do they support your claim?

Present your findings. If you are correct, be gracious. Say that you wanted to dig deeper into the situation and this is what you found. Don't say, "I told you so and you were wrong." That could give you a reputation for being right all the time, which would make you guilt of Upset Math.