A special project team, under supervision of Boss, is working on a business critical project. One of the project members is not pulling his weight and Betsy is gradually picking up more of his tasks. Boss praises Betsy for her flexibility and dedication to the project. Boss decides to take the project member concerned out of the project team. He discusses with Betsy how to best approach this sensitive situation since, according to him, she has very well developed interpersonal skills. Before Betsy knows she is the one who has to break the bad news to the project team member.

(Click on the pictures to see them in full size)

A great leader:

• Provides support and guidance to build other’s capabilities without taking away responsibility;
• Is assertive and expresses her needs in a calm, clear and professional manager;
• Is courageous and willing to challenge authority to ‘do the right thing’.

How to best handle the situation:

Continue reading →