Why Don't They Do What They Say They'll Do?

Q:  “My manager asked me to create a report for her. Although she promised to give me the facts and figures I need for the report, she has not done so yet. What do I say now?” A: There are a number of reasons why leaders may break a commitment: First, changing priorities often influence one’s ability to keep a commitment within a specific time frame. Second, with all that leaders have to do, it is easy to overlook--or simply forget--some commitments. Or perhaps your manager has changed her mind about having you prepare the report after all. This is a perfect...

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Throwing Things

Q: "I am a nurse in the O.R. at a local hospital. At times, out of frustration, certain physicians will throw things at us during surgery--soiled sponges, gauze, and sometimes even instruments. Our hospital has a motto of being 'Physician Friendly,' and yet our greatest asset is our people--all of our people--and the respect that we demonstrate to each other. How do I hold a difficult conversation about this behavior 'on the fly?'"   A: There are really two conversations that need to be held in this situation: a conversation about emotions and an expectations conversation. The Emotional Conversation When someone demonstrates defensive or reactionary...

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