Presenting Difficult Issues

There are times during in-house seminars that we have an opportunity to identify a sensitive issue within the company, discuss its impact and ramifications, and go on to create a set of positive and constructive recommendations for improvement. When we are done, since it was a group effort, the question then becomes who should present these recommendations to the boss or senior executive who is in a position to act on these recommendations.

My answer to that question never waivers. I always ask: "who among us has the best rapport with that boss or senior executive?" They are the person(s) who we should entrust the presentation to. Why? Along the lines of what we said in yesterday's blog, when you have a good relationship with your boss, your boss will more likely to listen to the suggestions for change, not because your boss was particularly looking for recommendations, but because you are bringing it up.

When you cultivate a good rapport with your boss, your boss will tend to like you, respect you, and value what you have to say. Accordingly, your boss is far more likely to listen carefully to what you have to say, and to give your suggestions and recommendations a full and fair hearing.

If you think about yesterday's post on giving constructive criticism to your boss, and today's blog on presenting recommendations for resolving sensitive issues, ans if you reflect on any number of other things between you and your boss, I think you'll agree that the time and effort invested in building a good rapport with your boss is a sound investment indeed.


About me: Dan Pelley's career experiences range from the shipping room to the boardroom and the college classroom. He has worked in companies as diverse as metal stamping, foundries, pharmaceuticals, computers and electronic components, hospitals, nursing homes, motor carriers, distribution, retailers, social services, government, quasi-government agencies, a major art museum and an airline. He shares his experiences through programs and seminars for companies in New England and through this blog.

Copyright © 2009 Daniel W. Pelley
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