Helpful Lines

Some helpful lines for managers and supervisors:

1. "I need some time to think about that."


2. "Can you give me a one-page summary of your analysis and recommendations?"


3. "When you say that the project is going to be done very soon, can I expect to see its completion within a couple of days, within a week, or within a month?"


4. "Whoa. I think that topic is way outside of my area of expertise. We'd better move to another subject."


5. "I realize that there are a lot of external barriers, but let's focus on what is within our range of control and on what we can do."


6. "Are these items really comparable or are we comparing apples to oranges?"


7. "I noticed the way you handled the ____ project. I want you to know how much I appreciate the way that was done."


8. "We've discussed what I'd like to see done. Now let's talk about what I don't want to see."


9. "What can I do to make your job easier?"


10. "I've noticed a problem. We need to talk."


11. "How would you describe your morale?"


12. "Who or what is generating the most stomach acid for you right now?"


13. "Let's talk about the professional development needs of your team members."


14. "What are the things that you'd like to see changed?"


15. "What are the things that you hope are not changed?"


16. "Where are the gaps between what we say and what we do?"


17. "Do you have sufficient resources to get the job done?"


18. "Is anyone interfering with your ability to get the job done?"


19. "What would you say are your highest priorities right now?"


20. "Are you uneasy about the performance or attitude of any of your team members?"


21. "If something were to go wrong over the next month, where do you think that problem would come from?"