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...
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...