I’ve known Jason for many years. Our relationship started with me acting as a mentor to him, guiding him in his career and communication style. Over time, we’ve grown into peers and friends, and I have come to admire the executive he has become. Nowadays, I learn as much from him as he does from me. Recently, Jason shared a story about how he handled a potentially sticky situation at work, and I think his approach was brilliant. I believe it’s something anyone can benefit from, which is why I’m sharing it here.
The Build-Up: Stress and Self-Doubt
Jason confided in me that he had been under a lot of stress at work, to the point where it was affecting his sleep. Naturally, I asked what was going on. He explained that he had recently started a new role at a company, in a field that was somewhat new to him. While Jason is a seasoned marketing professional, this particular area was unfamiliar, and it was causing him anxiety. He was worried that he wasn’t delivering the results expected of him, and to make matters worse, he’d made a few mistakes, which his leader had pointed out. Jason was starting to fear that he might even lose his job.
The Shift: Taking Proactive Action
Fast forward a few weeks, and when I checked in with Jason again, he sounded like a different person—calm and confident. Curious, I asked how things were going at work. He explained that he had decided to tackle the situation head-on by scheduling a conversation with his leader. Jason was pleasantly surprised by how well the conversation went, and I was eager to know how he approached it. Here’s what he did:
- Acknowledged the Big Picture – Jason started by recognizing his role and its significance in helping the company achieve its goals. He showed that he understood his purpose and how it fit into the larger company vision.
- Owned Up to Mistakes – Instead of waiting for his leader to bring it up, Jason proactively
acknowledged the four mistakes he had made over the past month. This transparency built trust right from the start. - Offered Solutions – Jason expressed that he was prepared to discuss alternatives if his performance wasn’t up to par. This demonstrated his commitment to the company’s success, even if that meant adjusting his role.
- Asked for Help – Despite being an independent leader, Jason admitted that he needed more guidance as he ramped up in this new area. He asked his leader for more regular check-ins, something he typically wouldn’t require, but recognized as necessary in this case.
The Outcome: Relief and Respect
To Jason’s surprise, his leader, let’s call her Sharon, was not as concerned about the mistakes as he had feared. She appreciated that Jason had approached her so openly. In fact, she acknowledged that his onboarding had been rushed, and she hadn’t had enough time to properly support him. Sharon even offered to be more available moving forward, which immediately took a weight off Jason’s shoulders.
Jason walked away from the conversation feeling relieved and more confident. What struck me the most was how his proactive approach showcased several important traits:
- Maturity and Humility: By initiating the conversation, Jason demonstrated that he wasn’t going to let pride get in the way of addressing potential issues.
- Self-Awareness: He knew where he needed to improve and was honest about it.
- Commitment to the Company: Offering to discuss alternatives showed that Jason was willing to do whatever was best for the company, not just for himself.
- Proactiveness: Asking for help early on prevented future missteps, ensuring he could perform at his best in the long run.
A Lesson for All of Us
Jason’s experience is a reminder that there’s always a way to navigate potentially tough situations at work, and it doesn’t have to be combative or stressful. By being mature, self-aware, and proactive, Jason not only preserved his relationship with his leader but also earned her respect. In the end, these qualities matter just as much, if not more, than hard skills in the workplace.
So, next time you’re in a difficult spot, consider taking a page from Jason’s playbook. Approach the issue head-on, be honest about your needs and mistakes, and stay committed to the bigger picture.
Your comments: How can this help you at work? I look forward to your questions and comments
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Lei