Review the WIn-WIn Conversation

TOO LATE – PART 1

On Friday afternoon Oscar told his assistant, Elizabeth, that they needed to get a report to Christine, the communications director, by the next Friday. The following Thursday, Oscar gave the report to Elizabeth with a few minor changes. He told her to make the changes and send it out the next day. Oscar had also given Elizabeth several other projects, including a high-profile project for the president, on which he was very focused. Monday rolls around and Elizabeth sends Christine the report, copying Oscar.

This is the first that Oscar knows of the report going out late. He is stunned! He assumed the report went out Friday. In fact, the truth is that he forgot about the report until he saw the email. Oscar is upset because he is trying to work more closely with Christine and is worried about the impression the late report created. He thinks that Christine probably didn’t notice or may not have even cared that she didn’t receive the report until Monday, but he cares because he wants Christine to know she can rely on him. In fact, he’s trying to gain her support, so she chooses him for a special project.

Is this an example of a Win-Win Conversation?

TOO LATE – PART 2
Using Win-Lose

Angry and upset, Oscar calls Elizabeth into his office. He barks out: “Elizabeth, what is wrong with you? I asked you to get the report to Christine no later than Friday. This is unacceptable. What do you have to say for yourself?” Flustered and upset, Elizabeth apologizes several times and can’t look Oscar in the eye.

She says, “But Christine said…” Interrupting her, Oscar says, “I’m your boss not Christine. Is that clear? You do what I say, not what she or anyone else says.” She manages to eek out, “It won’t happen again.”

———-

Oscar stated the facts, was aware of and stated his feelings, was aware of and stated his needs, and made a request.

What are the benefits of this Win-Win Conversation?

In Part 2 of TOO LATE, what if Elizabeth says no?

What is the best response Oscar could have in this situation to ensure that this remains a Win-Win Conversation?