When two managers disagree

Phrases

I've had two different requests.

describing the conflict neutrally

I've had two different requests for Friday, and I can't do both.

I'm getting mixed messages.

the instructions don't match

I'm getting mixed messages about whether the launch is still in May.

... has asked me to...

reporting facts, not opinions

Wei has asked me to put the Delhi project first this week.

I've told him I'd check with you.

you haven't agreed to anything yet

I've told him I'd check with you before I say yes.

Which should come first?

asking your manager to set the priority

They're both urgent, apparently. Which should come first?

I don't want to go behind anyone's back.

being open with everyone

I don't want to go behind anyone's back, so I've told her I'm talking to you.

I'm not sure how to handle this.

asking for advice

I'm not sure how to handle this. She's more senior than both of us.

Would you be willing to talk to him directly?

asking your manager to step in

Would you be willing to talk to him directly? It'd be better coming from you.

Could the three of us meet?

suggesting one conversation instead of two

Could the three of us meet for ten minutes and agree on a plan?

I'd like to get this right for both of you.

showing good intentions

I'd like to get this right for both teams, not only for ours.

He's been very clear that...

reporting a firm instruction

He's been very clear that his project can't slip.

In fairness to her...

being fair to the other manager

In fairness to her, she didn't know about our deadline.

Could we keep this between us for now?

asking for discretion

Could we keep this between us for now? I'd like to talk to her first.

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

1. Rohan reports to two managers, one in London and one in Singapore, and they rarely agree.
2. Grace, I'm not complaining about Wei. I need to know which deadline wins.
3. I'd rather not choose between you, so could you two agree on it together?
4. She's asked me to send the numbers before they're checked, and I'm not comfortable with that.
5. In fairness, he's under a lot of pressure from his own director.