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Welcome back to our weekly dive into workplace wisdom with #DearSandy. Each week, we explore the complexities of office dynamics and discover practical advice for some of the most challenging situations.

In the professional world, it’s not uncommon to encounter challenges that test our patience and resilience. One such challenge is dealing with unfulfilled promises from your boss. These unmet expectations can erode trust and dampen motivation, making it crucial to address the issue constructively. In this week’s “Dear Sandy,” we tackle the delicate matter of handling broken promises at work to foster a stronger, more cohesive team environment.

Dear Sandy,

I’m facing a challenging situation at work and I hope you can provide me some advice. My boss has repeatedly made promises to me regarding various aspects of my job, like project opportunities. However, these promises have not been fulfilled, and it’s starting to impact my motivation and trust in my leadership. I truly want to address this issue constructively because I believe in our team’s potential and want us to succeed together. How can I approach my boss about these broken promises in a way that is professional and conducive to building a stronger team?

Frustrated Team Player

Dear Frustrated Team Player,

It sounds like you’re in a difficult position, but your desire to resolve this constructively is the right approach to fostering a better working environment.

Firstly, it’s important to prepare for this conversation by gathering specific instances where project opportunities were discussed but did not materialize. This isn’t to keep score, but to clearly illustrate your concerns. When you speak to your boss, request a private meeting at a time when neither of you are rushed or stressed.

Begin the conversation with appreciation and positive intentions. For example, you might start with, “I really value your leadership and our team’s goals, and I want to discuss something important to ensure we can continue to work effectively together.” This sets a collaborative tone.

Present your observations factually and express how the situation makes you feel, without sounding accusatory. Use “I” statements, such as, “I feel concerned when I see discussions about project opportunities that don’t materialize, as it affects my ability to contribute effectively.”

It’s crucial to be open to hearing your boss’s side of the story. There may be factors you’re unaware of that have influenced these decisions. This conversation is as much about listening as it is about being heard.

Finally, propose a solution or ask for suggestions on how future disappointments can be minimized. Perhaps a more transparent way of communicating decisions or a regular check-in could be helpful.

Remember, the goal is to build trust and open lines of communication. It’s possible that your boss is unaware of the impact of these unmet promises, and your initiative to address it respectfully can set the stage for more reliable and supportive teamwork.

Sincerely,

Sandy