In yesterday’s Advisor we talked about “managing up.” Today, tips about managing down, and an introduction to a new audio conference, Handling Difficult Conversations.
Here’s a typical scenario between a subordinate and a boss:
Bill comes up to Sally, the boss, who is running to a meeting, and says, “We have problem with x.” Sally says, “Thanks for bringing that to my attention, Bill. I’m in a rush now but I’ll think about it and get back to you.”
What’s happened? Before this meeting, the problem was Bill’s. Now it’s Sally’s–the problem has been delegated up.
The late management guru Bill Oncken called this “Who’s got the monkey?” Whenever two people talk about a problem, one of them leaves with the monkey on his or her back–the one who has to take the next step.
Stop putting off those tough employee conversations–the longer you wait, the worse it gets. Sign up for BLR’s Straight Talk in the Workplace: What to Say – and Not Say – During Difficult Conversations with Employees. Find out more
You want to keep the monkey on the employee’s back, so instead of saying “I’ll think about it,” say, “Send me a memo with your recommendation,” or “Brainstorm some ideas of how to solve this problem and come back to me with the best three.”
Now the monkey stays where it belongs.
HR managers have to have tough conversations every day–monkey talks, sure, but also coaching, disciplining, performance management, and, of course, firing.
These conversations are never going to be fun, but you can learn to handle them calmly and professionally.
Uncomfortable confronting employees? You’re not alone. Learn how in BLR’s new 90-minute audio conference Straight Talk in the Workplace: What to Say–and Not Say–During Difficult Conversations with Employees. Find out more
Difficult Conversations–HR’s job
Two workers are embroiled in a bitter personal vendetta, and their behavior becomes more and more disruptive every day. A tube-top-clad worker breezes by your office, in flagrant violation of your dress code. And your resident office slacker is slacking more than ever. Over in finance, someone has to be let go.
If situations like these go unaddressed, they could deflate your team’s morale and productivity–and ultimately trigger a lawsuit.
It’s not easy or fun to talk to employees about situations like these–but the conversations need to happen. Join us on September 26 for an in-depth 90-minute audio conference detailing how to get a handle on the difficult conversations you need to have with your employees. We’ll outline tips and tricks that can help you boost morale, cultivate an open-door communication policy, and address negative behavior in a way that yields positive results.
Remember, the date is Friday, September 26, 2008. The time, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Eastern Time—adjust for your time zone). As with all BLR audio conferences, one fee trains all the staff you can fit around a conference phone, and you can get your (and their) specific phoned-in or e-mailed questions answered in an extensive Q&A that follows the presentation. As always, your satisfaction is assured or you get a full refund.
Go here to get more information, sign up, or pre-order the CD.