Managing Sticky Situations at Work

Sticky Situations with Your Boss 33PERSONALITY OVERLAYPeter looks at Angie’s behavior to determine her personality type.He rules out Sympathetic because she has trouble listening, and compassionis not one of her strengths. He does not see her as an Expressivebecause she does not spend time talking with anyone.Furthermore, as far as he can see, she has no friends. He suspects thatshe is either a Technical or a Bold. She demonstrates characteristics ofboth styles. She is cautious and detailed about her work. Some call hera perfectionist. She must have the final say on everything that goes outof the department. These characteristics typify a Technical. Her Boldtendencies come across because she acts annoyed whenever he interruptsher, and she talks in quick, short sentences. Knowing he’s dealingwith a Technical/Bold personality, Peter can adjust his styleaccordingly.SAY IT JUST RIGHT CONVERSATIONPeter approaches Angie’s office. ‘‘Do you have a minute?’’ he asks.‘‘I’d like to talk about the Marcus design.’’Angie moves away from her computer screen and expels a deep sigh.‘‘What’s there to talk about? It’s all wrong, and we don’t have time toredo it.’’Peter sits across from her. ‘‘It would really help if you could spend alittle time with me and tell me what exactly you find wrong with thedesign.’’ (Specifies the problem.)‘‘Everything is wrong,’’ she says. ‘‘They won’t buy it the way it is.’’Peter persists. ‘‘Could you be a bit more specific with me? Even if Idon’t have time to correct this account, I’d like to know what youare thinking for my future work.’’ (Invites her to talk.)Angie picks up the design and shoves it across at him. ‘‘Look atthose colors. They’re too bright. Don’t you know how conservativeMarcus is? He’ll never go for orange and yellow. You should have realizedthat when you talked to him.’’Peter makes a note on his pad. ‘‘Angie, I spent a lot of time talkingto Marcus and his VP of marketing. They want to change their directionto mirror the new generation of buyer. We talked about anentirely new look.’’She harrumphs. ‘‘An entirely new look is one thing; a revolutionarylook is another. They’ll lose the old buyers.’’‘‘So you’re saying I went too far?’’