Crucial Skills®

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Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue

What Happened? A Boss On a Spending Spree

by Brittney Maxfield

Dear Joseph,

First, I want to thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I think you were right on target with every single remark you made. I believe I originally read the situation wrong and judged incorrectly, and you gave me a much needed wake-up call!

I have talked this through with my boss and now have a much greater understanding of his vision and strategy for the company. He also understands why I think the way I do, and wants to better explain his decisions to the management team. We agreed that expenditures in excess of a certain amount will be brought before the management team for discussion before a final decision is made.

I believe that while we may have different opinions, it will still help us gain understanding and trust with one another if we can talk through our concerns and offer suggestions. Holding this conversation has strengthened our relationship and improved our ability to manage the company effectively.

I really look forward to the Crucial Skills Newsletter each week. You do an excellent job!

Many thanks,
Following the Money

Editor’s Note: This letter was received in response to a question Joseph Grenny answered in the December 29, 2010 Crucial Skills Newsletter titled, “A Boss On a Spending Spree.” If you would like to share similar feedback about the authors’ advice, please e-mail us at editor@vitalsmarts.com.

You can learn more insights and skills like this in Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue
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Brittney Maxfield

Sr. Director of Growth Marketing

“I share insights and lessons learned from successes and failures as a working mom and sixteen-year student of crucial skills.”

For the past 16 years Brittney has worked alongside the Crucial Learning founders and trainers to drive awareness and adoption of the skills taught in its New York Times bestselling books and award-winning courses. She loves to spend time with her three awesome kids and musical husband.

3 thoughts on “What Happened? A Boss On a Spending Spree”

  1. Penny Walker
    April 13, 2011 at 12:18 am

    Hi Joseph and Following,

    Thanks for sharing this update with us. I read the original letter and response, and am excited to read the next thrilling installment.

    And of course you’re modeling ‘action and reflection’, which is a great way for us all to share in the learning.

    Thanks.

    Penny

    Reply
  2. Patrick Sepuru
    April 13, 2011 at 5:30 am

    Mine is a question. I have a situation where a colleague and I are aware of an intention/possible consipiracy by another colleague to sabotage our boss and take over from him. We want to warn the boss such that he sees this and does something about it. The boss thinks that this individual is loyal to him.

    Regards

    Reply
  3. editor
    April 13, 2011 at 8:27 am

    @Patrick Sepuru Please submit your question to the authors via the form at http://vitalsmarts.com/askanexpert.aspx or via e-mail to questions@vitalsmarts.com.

    Reply

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