Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Improving what and how we do things is a touchy subject. Approach it carefully.

“I wish they would do better,” said the optimist.

“They are awful at this,” said the disgusted.

“Improve,” said the commander.

And what other stereotypical comments can we make when we see someone do something poorly?

First, what does this matter to me? Does someone else doing something less than I want affect me? Often, the answer is, “Yes.” The person is part of our organization and presenting to another group that pays our salaries. Poorly performing means no pay check next week. The opposite case is that poorly performing is merely an irritation to me, and I need to move on.

Next, assume it matters to me. Now what? Speak clearly for myself and speak to the outcome of the event.

“John, when you present our capabilities, I see our customers wincing and furrowing their brows. The next day I receive messages of displeasure from them. Have you noticed any of this? Do you receive any of these messages?”

In my experience, John has neither seen the body language nor received the emails. Once he sees those cues, how does he react?

There are places that give instruction in how better to present materials or whatever it is we are attempting to do. “John, are you aware of these places that show how to present materials?”

Once we are aware of negative reactions and know of places of instruction, what do we do? Now we reach the more difficult question. Now we have to decide the bigger issue. Such is the nature of trying to be adults.