Protect me from myself

Decades ago, my mom and dad both passed away from cancer. It was a tough time for them and our family. You never knew what was next. You had hopes, but even more worries. You just couldn't predict what was going to happen.

A friend of mine is now facing that with one of his parents. He is understandably concerned and worried. But at the same time, he has a career and responsibilities. His boss and I are banding together to help protect our friend from himself.

We're both going to force him to do the uncomfortable--leave work early or don't come in at all and spend time with his mother. I'm convinced that if our friend does this (I know he wants to, it's just tough for him), it will not only help his mom, but his family will benefit and so will he. And I'm convinced his business won't suffer; and if it does, so what?

Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
Fort Wayne, Indiana
www.labov.com

Protect and Arm

One of my very favorite clients told me she was having a problem with her boss. She didn't feel he appreciated her efforts at all. Here was my suggestion to her:
Don't just protect, but also arm him

The important, ultra-busy boss (or client, for that matter) will not appreciate your efforts if you merely protect him from the details. If all you tell him is that "it's all taken care of" he will probably think it must have been easy to do. And you at some point will feel unappreciated.

I don't recommend bragging or puffing up what you're doing, btw. I recommend arming the boss with enough info (usually no more than two or three sentences) so that he understands what went on and is prepared to speak about it if his boss asks about it.

That way he not only knows you took care of it, but he also knows what it took to be taken care of. Do this and you give him a chance to appreciate what you're doing.

Barry LaBov
LaBov & beyond
www.labov.com