Submitted by taffywit on
in
Forums
I would like to learn more about the best way to handle everyday sensitive situations. For example:
[list]
[*]What to say or write when telling someone they didn't get the job. I like to give some feedback that will help the person, but doing so could be risky (or should you leave this to HR?)
[*]What to say/do when an internal candidate applies for a job and you don't want that person in your group.
[*]What to do when someone in your group asks you a question that you can't answer because to do so would reveal confidential information and yet by not answering it they will know that you're not being straight with them.
[/list:u]
There are so many possibilities, but I've never seen a management book that covers these kinds of things. Handling tricky situations badly can kill your career, but where do you go to learn this stuff? HR seems to know (or thinks they know) the best ways to handle situations like this, but where did they learn it from? I've been looking, and it isn't covered in any HR book I've seen
I'm interested in hearing about tricky situations you've had to deal with, what you did, and how it went.
Handling sensitive situations
Taffywit,
incomplete answers....
Do not leave this conversation to HR. If you've done your screening and interviewing well, you will be able to honestly (if not completely) tell them why: we found a candidate who's a better fit / more experienced / whatever. I've told candidates specifically where their skills fell short (we need someone with stronger client management skills...).
Same holds for the internal person.
There is a good section in the "managing during mergers and acquisitions" section (sorry, don't remember exactly where) about honestly answering questions when you can't reveal what you know. Check it out (and you get the added bonus of the briefing book, which I can attest is a great thing). It's basically along the lines of "I know, but I cannot tell you." You're being honest. And you're maintaining confidentiality.
John
Handling sensitive situations
Taffywit- -
I apologize that this has taken me so long.
1. Simply say, "I've decided not to make you an offer. You showed many solid qualities, and I felt that you were not right for the role." You don't have to provide feedback if you don't want to, but if you do make sure you are clear and specific and have examples.
2. Let them apply and rule them out with an interview.
3. You're wrong in the premise of your third situation. It's not being "not straight" with someone when you are honoring your managerial obligation of confidentiality. Simply say, "I'm not at liberty to say." If they push with, "So you know but can't say?" respond with, "I'm not at liberty to say."
Again, my regrets. And hey, next time, one question at a time.
Mark