Learning from experience is the key to avoid repeat errors. Although I’ve had a couple of negative experiences with colleagues over the years, I have improved my skills to prevent these scenarios. Would you like to know the measures I implemented? If not, check your Twitter feed. If so, please press read more.
Some time ago, I blogged about colleagues behaving badly. There is much to be learned about observing unbecoming demeanor. Equally important is learning how you can avoid being a victim of such conduct. We have all heard before that we cannot control everything, but we can control our reaction to situations. What did I learn that will minimize mischievous behavior?
Zac, the interpreter who failed to contact us directly, has been removed from our associate roster. Zac received a check from my company when he rendered services. His communication through a third-party and failure to return my telephone demonstrates lack of professional courtesy. I am pleased that we decided to take this course of action and hold fast to our principle.
When Vero told me that she arranged for Pat to cover the assignment, I should have called Pat that very evening. This mistake belongs to me. Considering that I had hearings in the morning (and that Murphy’s Law always happens on Mondays), it was my responsibility to make contact with Pat to review the assignment and the compensation. Had there been any issues, we would have time to negotiate and arrive at a mutual agreement. If I had been unable to resolve the issues, I could have called my client at 8 a.m. instead of 1 p.m. to report the unavailability of an interpreter.
It was a stressful and overbearing encounter. As a business owner, it is inevitable that such conflicts occur. Yet I have learned how to directly communicate to the interpreter what is expected, and that in case of any problem, the interpreter must call the office. These instructions are simple. I realize that payment and job information must be discussed in the initial conversation to avoid misunderstanding. By applying these lessons learned, I am well equipped for the next challenge.
