Long ago, it was advised to create a working document whenever a serious issue arises. This advice applies to career related or personal circumstance that is in need of resolution.
Review Past Action
The best way to proceed is to look back and examine how you handled past poor experiences to recognize where improvement should have been made. Think about an employment issue or a problem with a previous client, and whether you actively pursued a satisfactory outcome. If you allowed the situation to continue or walked away without fighting it, you aren’t alone.
Most people don’t know what to do, and so they allow the discrepancies to continue. But not resolving the conflict only tends to multiply additional disconnects while frustration rapidly grows. The worst is when heated communication takes place. The anger mounts and some things are said only to regret later. The problem is that once you use those words, they can never be taken back. Sometimes the poor judgment puts a black mark on one’s personal brand.
Document
To keep your reputation sound with favorable reviews to follow, consider these suggestions for when the need arises:
- Create a master document.
- Detail everything that occurred and led up to the mishap.
- Be certain the summary is factual without emotion attached to it.
The next step is to note the name of the person or list the several people that you need to contact to resolve the situation.
As you meet with each one, share the problem in brief. Ask how the individual views the fix. Obtain all the steps they need to take to be certain it will be complete. The last step is to request a date for completion. Before you leave the meeting, ask for a return date to discuss everything in place. Take note of the entire conversation to include on your working document.
Follow-Up
During the next meeting, review the previous remarks and promises made. Inquire as to how the situation currently stands. If little appears to be new, then move up the hierarchy to get it resolved using the same sequence of steps.
As you continue to take notes in each person’s vocabulary and capture all thought and promises, you have the right documentation to speak to the CEO. Once again, it’s all about being professionally personal and maintaining an even keel manner. No one can deny one’s verbiage, or the promises made. The record keeping is a sure-footed way to resolve events with keeping your reputation in good stead.
Once again, you will be headed for the Smooth Sale!
Sales Tips:
1. Comprehend the problem in full.
2. Recognize the hierarchy of people in charge to fix problems.
3. Begin documenting communication as you go up the ladder of decision makers.
4. Ask individuals how they see the fix and by when action will start.
5. Follow-up promptly on what action took place.
6. If nothing happened, go up the ladder of decision-makers to begin again.
7. Continue the same process until you get to the ultimate decision-maker.
8. Explain the current problem and how it will manifest further should inaction take hold.
9. Ask for a timeline for restoration.
10. Celebrate Success!
