No surprises or Can I trust you?

We’re not talking surprise party, we’re talking money.  Management wants to know that everyone is working in the same direction, that the money is being spent intelligently and each department will come in under or on budget, that people understand what they’re supposed to be doing.

If deadlines or spending or any other changes are possible, an early, proactive and fair call out will make you a star.  I say fair because I want to emphasize that by calling out that ‘Johnny didn’t do his part so we’re going to be late’ is not fair or mature.  It’s called throwing under the bus.  You don’t want to be one of those people no one trusts and everyone finds repellant.

Finding language that can communicate what’s going on often starts with having compassion for Johnny, learning why he hasn’t completed his part on time and asking what he needs to get it moving fast.  How can you help?  It might even mean that you and Johnny go together to the client to talk about the needs (more information, increased funding, an extension).  A shared experience that shows maturity and team support goes a long way for your colleagues and for the client.

Compassion builds trust.  It’s putting yourself in another’s shoes and letting them see that you understand.  Companies are filled with people and most people don’t trust automatically; trust builds over time and through proving ourselves trustworthy.