The moment

Grace has her weekly one-on-one with Haruto, who reports to her. His supplier report is two days late, which isn't like him. She could start with the deadline. Instead she asks what's getting in the way, and finds a problem that isn't really his to solve. Listen for how she turns a late report into a change that protects his time.

The conversation

GraceHaruto
  1. Grace
  2. Haruto
  3. Grace
  4. Haruto
  5. Grace
  6. Haruto
  7. Grace
  8. Haruto
  9. Grace
  10. Haruto
  11. Grace
  12. Haruto
  13. Grace
  14. Haruto
  15. Grace

Words to know

this behavior is unusual for that person

small things become a lot when they come together

something you do to help someone, outside your usual work

stop other people from taking too much of it

support and defend someone

Check yourself

1Why was Haruto's report late?
2What does Grace decide to do?
3What is Haruto worried about?

Practice · 4 min

Play each line and repeat it in the gap. Then take Grace's part with her lines muted. Notice that she asks two questions before she offers any solution; practice keeping your voice curious, not impatient, on "Is anything blocking you?"

  1. GraceSo, how's it going with the supplier report? Last week you said it was nearly done.
  2. HarutoIt's close. Sorry, I know it was due on Tuesday.
  3. GraceThat's okay. It's not like you, though. Is anything blocking you?
  4. HarutoHonestly, other teams keep asking me for quick favors, and they add up.
  5. GraceWhat kind of favors? Give me an example from this week.
  6. HarutoSales wanted new numbers twice, and marketing asked me to check all their slides.
  7. GraceThat sounds like a lot more than a quick favor.
  8. HarutoIt is. I don't like saying no, especially to people who are senior to me.
  9. GraceI understand. From now on, send those requests to me, and I'll decide what fits.
  10. HarutoWon't they think I'm hiding behind you?
  11. GraceNo. It's my job to protect your time. I've got your back on this.
  12. HarutoOkay, that would really help. I'll have the report to you tomorrow morning.
  13. GraceGreat. And next time something's slipping, tell me early, even if it feels awkward.
  14. HarutoI will. To be honest, I expected you to be annoyed about Tuesday.
  15. GraceI'd rather know why something's late than be annoyed about it.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.