Complaining to Subordinates
Guidelines and Alternate Phrases
State the problem up front.
Mention the reason for or benefit of resolving the matter rather than dwelling on the problem itself. Simply because you have the necessary authority to complain and get immediate action, don’t press the advantage. If you can get action with a whisper, why shout?
This change should make us all more productive.
This action should save us immeasurable time, effort, and money.
Such clear-cut directives, I hope, will make things easier for all of us.
Let me know if you don’t find this system much easier for you.
While this procedure may be slightly more time-consuming, I think you’ll agree it will make your efforts more productive over the long haul.
Anything we can do to make this project a success is worth our every effort.
Assume the problem is a matter of oversight in a situation where your message may be taken as an accusation of dishonesty or incompetence.
Focus primarily on appropriate action or inaction, not blame and responsibility for the problem. Those under your supervision will generally be wary about any complaint from you and tend to read into it a negative mark against their record. Such a “watched” feeling can prohibit a business-as-usual response on their part.
While the reason for these errors is irrelevant at this point, I’m sure this new procedure should eliminate them in the future.
Regardless of who was ultimately responsible for the situation, please join me in this corrective action.
The solution, not the cause, is my primary concern now.
Keep the tone positive, not sarcastic or overbearing.
Let’s make every effort to make the next one a success.
With such careful attention to these details, I’m sure we’ll see improvement to make us all proud.
Thank you for helping me correct this situation.
I sincerely appreciate your attention to this problem and have every confidence you can turn the situation around.
I’m looking forward to your very best efforts next time and know you won’t let me down.
I certainly appreciate the can-do attitude I find every time we discover a situation that needs improving.
May I count on your full cooperation?
Would you help me correct this situation?
Email This Page!