Complaining to Superiors
Guidelines and Alternate Phrases
State the problem briefly as it relates to company profits and efficiency, if possible, rather than to your own personal preference.
These mistakes have cost us $2300 in the past year.
This problem creates quite an embarrassment for our sales reps as they call on clients.
We could save approximately $20,000 over the next two years if we actively sought a new vendor.
As I see it, we are wasting proven expertise and excessive dollars, as well as risking the safety of our employees.
Investigate and suggest solutions even though you do not have final authority. By this preliminary work, you increase your chances of getting a quick, appropriate response. Include all the details the reader needs to take your suggested action.
Assume your share of the blame, when appropriate, or acknowledge the difficulty of the problem to be handled.
While a solution will not be easy, there is one that will be effective.
Although this is a difficult situation, I feel certain my proposal will begin a turnaround for us.
Although you may not have been aware of some of the most recent developments, I can assure you this will alleviate at least two of the problems that are obvious from my end of the tunnel.
Certainly, I can’t promise this action will solve all the associated problems with this project, but it will take care of the most immediate.
Although a solution is not readily apparent, I think you will agree some progress toward resolution is urgent.
Ask for a response. Show confidence you will receive a favorable response and don’t let your reader assume you just wrote “to get it off your chest” or “to get it out in the open.”
May I have your approval on this?
Would you please phone me with your answer?
If you agree, please sign the attached memo.
If I can gather any more pertinent facts to help you make this decision, please call on me.
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