Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to address someone for making a mistake or not following through, and you realized this was not the first time? I’ll bet you have. Once a mistake or oversight has been repeated we to move away from the specific infraction and address the pattern. Here is an example:
When I was in my early 20’s, I worked as manager in the lodging and hospitality business. I loved my job and was given a pretty free rein in decision making. My boss lived nearly 1000 miles away, and would come to visit about every 2-3 months. I remember one particular time when one of those visits wasn’t so pleasant. He asked me to report on a project he had directed me to do in one of his previous visits. The specific project was an unpleasant and tedious one, and I procrastinated. My boss (Mr. Lunt) realized that this was the third time he had asked me about the project, and each time I had come up short. It was time to shift gears. Mr. Lunt knew he now must address the pattern-not the incident. He asked me one direct, appropriate, and chilling question: “What can I do to get you going on this, Steve?” He asked calmly and respectfully. He said so much with just one questions. I knew I had better turn things around and “get with the program” fast! I did. Mr. Lunt and I worked together for many years after that. I have always appreciated the way he held me accountable. The leadership lesson I learned: If it is a mistake, address the mistake. It it is a pattern, break it! You will help the other person grow.
