LOL, The 'feedback sandwich' AKA the sh-- sandwich.
RE: Being overworked - I like to ask people for their advice.
"Can I ask yr advice on issue X? I have noticed a,b,c... (laying out the arguments).
Followed by asking how others see the issue. Do they agree or not? Is this a more straightforward or complex fix than it is let on? This question can work with/for both parties, manager and assistant. I have had success with this approach because I feel it pre-supposes that the manager/assistant is working on getting the job done. In some circumstances, there may be less dictatorial behavior by one or the other.
Listening!?! Totally agree about multi-tasking during an important presentation, tough behavior to curb...
"Technical transfer" I feel is highly dependent on the team members involved. Sometimes 'mediation' may be needed to help smooth the communication pathway.
Thanks for your feedback and great insights. I agree that getting all the perspectives on an issue is crucial before any decisions can be made, by the manager or anyone else. And great thought on mediation for communication between teams if regular communication is not working or if promises are not translating into actions. For those of us who ended up picking up all the slack in group projects as students (and now find ourselves in similar positions at work), some other intervention may be crucial!
I have found mediation can be as simple as a boss or an interested co-worker 'chairing' a sit-down. 'Kiss' may apply here too. My version is 'Keep it simple AND short.' Don't let people get frustrated.
For further actions, you may consider blocking this person and/or reporting abuse
To start, very helpful discussion.
Followed by asking how others see the issue. Do they agree or not? Is this a more straightforward or complex fix than it is let on? This question can work with/for both parties, manager and assistant. I have had success with this approach because I feel it pre-supposes that the manager/assistant is working on getting the job done. In some circumstances, there may be less dictatorial behavior by one or the other.
Thanks, guys!
Dear MCCurcio,
Thanks for your feedback and great insights. I agree that getting all the perspectives on an issue is crucial before any decisions can be made, by the manager or anyone else. And great thought on mediation for communication between teams if regular communication is not working or if promises are not translating into actions. For those of us who ended up picking up all the slack in group projects as students (and now find ourselves in similar positions at work), some other intervention may be crucial!
Best,
Kristen
I have found mediation can be as simple as a boss or an interested co-worker 'chairing' a sit-down. 'Kiss' may apply here too. My version is 'Keep it simple AND short.' Don't let people get frustrated.