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Published on 08/18/1999 All articles from this issue

Employee asks boss: Why the sudden cold shoulder?

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Jean on the Job

Dear Boss:

For the past six years I have received reviews of "Meets expectations," "Above average," and beyond in both my written and oral reviews. Last year I was recognized at a company-wide event. But in the last six months you have not looked me in the eye. You have studiously avoided our one-on-ones, and the last few reviews I've received sounded like I was someone else. Where, when, and how did I go wrong? Did you never ring the warning bells or was I deaf? "Victim of Mixed Messages"

Dear Employee:

I am a cad. I couldn't give you feedback on a regular basis. We slowly deteriorated, and I wasn't courageous enough to note the decay as it happened. None of it was career-breaking, so I was afraid to bring up just the little stuff. The final straw was not dramatic. It was just one more little thing. That one little thing (the way you responded to John's question) followed an accumulation of a dozen working style or interpersonal "misses" that affected my opinion of your performance. Nothing independently seemed enough for the seriousness now, but all lumped together I was overwhelmed with disgust. But I didn't tell you. I was afraid. I didn't start early enough. "Victim of Fear"

Next week: Jean responds to a "victim of fear."

Jean A. Hollands is the CEO of the Growth & Leadership Center. Write to GLC, 1451 Grant Road, Mountain View, 94040.