Coach's Corner
Question of the month:
As I get ready for my year end performance summary meeting, I need to prepare for my boss to bring up a conflict that occurred between the two of us earlier in the year. Our relationship hasnt been the same for about four months as a result of the conflict. What can I do to minimize the impact the issue could have on my annual performance rating?
Coachs response:
Hopefully you are not just realizing that the conflict is an issue for you. If so, we need to first talk about the importance of putting this type of situation to rest immediately after it occurs. Sometimes in our desire for an uncomfortable situation to just go away, we delay confronting the behavioral mistakes we make. Ignoring a blowup with the boss no matter who is at fault is a mistake no one can afford to make.
My recommendation is to not wait for the performance summary meeting to clear the air with your boss. You really want to keep the conversations separate as much as possible. Ask for an immediate meeting and own up to mishandling your reaction to the situation.
Yes, thats right. Accept ownership for how things turned out. Whatever thoughts you are having about how unfair this approach is, do whatever it takes to help yourself get over it. Remember, the objective is to turn an adverse situation into an opportunity to continue to focus on meeting your career goals. Reaching your career goals starts with achieving an excellent performance rating. You need to decide to take ownership to reverse the situation.
If you want to talk further,