How to navigate this delicate process effectively. Refuse the Confusing Choice You might be asking yourself, Can I really bring this up with my boss without damaging our relationship? It’s a common fear, especially when there’s a power dynamic involved. Often, we create a false dilemma—what we call a fool’s choice: I can either be honest and risk upsetting her, or I can stay silent and preserve our good rapport.
Here’s some advice on how to handle this effectively without either calling them out in front of the team or letting it slide: 1. Create a Team Norm for Deadlines When starting a project, or when you have new team members, set clear expectations for how missed deadlines will be handled. Acknowledge that delays are inevitable, but emphasize that they impact the whole team. Here’s how you might present it:
Dear Yogesh, I’m 28 and still reeling from what just happened. Five months ago, I was hired by a globally recognized tech company. I moved across the country, signed a one-year lease, furnished an apartment, and made great friends from my orientation cohort. I thought I was building a career. From day one, my boss seemed to hate me. It was obvious and strange. She criticized me publicly in ways
By Yogesh Sood, CMD, BYLD Group & Blanchard International India In today’s hyper-connected business landscape, leaders face unprecedented challenges. The relentless pace of digital notifications, the pressure of real-time news cycles, and competing priorities across multiple channels create an environment where strategic thinking often takes a backseat to tactical firefighting. Yet, it’s precisely in this chaos that visionary leadership becomes most critical. At Blanchard International, we’ve always believed that leadership
Dear Yogesh, I’m facing a difficult situation and need guidance. I’ve been with a mid-sized global accessories brand for years—first as head of PR, then I transitioned to brand ambassador when I started a family. The company has been my professional home, and I’ve watched it grow. About a year ago, we were acquired, and a new president came on board. Since then, I’ve witnessed troubling changes: longtime senior leaders
Dear Yogesh, I first read The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People as a teenager, and I loved it. I even bought the FranklinCovey planner and spent years defining my roles and working on important-but-not-urgent tasks related to them. I appreciated clarifying my values and tried to keep them at the center of my life, even though I didn’t always succeed. Recently, I discovered the GTD system, and I’ve found
Dear Camila, Your question on the subject strikes at the heart of a dilemma many people face: Do dialogue skills hold up in environments defined by power imbalances, where authority, popularity, or politicking seem to dominate? It’s a fair concern, and one we’ve heard in various forms over the years: Will these skills work with my boss? With my parent? What about situations influenced by gender, ethnicity, popularity, or education?
Dear Qutub, The topic of “quiet quitting” has sparked discussions across industries, and education is no exception. As you’ve noted, the dynamic in teaching is unique because the profession has long relied on unpaid labor and extraordinary dedication. When teachers set boundaries, it can feel like a departure from the norm, but reframing the situation and addressing its roots can lead to better understanding and solutions. Here’s how you might
Dear Yogesh, How can I change my behavior when it feels like an addiction? I want to avoid distractions, but I can’t help myself from checking my phone or other digital devices. Can the GTD (Getting Things Done) skills help me with this? Signed,Dinesh Dear Dinesh, Thank you for your thoughtful question. You’ve asked how to change behavior and whether GTD skills can help, and my answer is a definitive
Dear Concerned, Thank you for your thoughtful question. I can understand why you’d be frustrated, but I don’t think labeling your employees based on their generational group is going to help resolve the issue. The challenge you’re facing—employees who react emotionally to feedback—isn’t unique to Millennials or Zoomers. People of all generations can struggle to receive constructive criticism, especially when it’s unexpected. Here are a few ideas to help you
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