I’m the supervisor of a small group. I generally work with non-management employees outdoors my group, one in all whom is an exceedingly succesful, however idiosyncratic, individual, “Karl.” He’s very targeted and can go far above and past to be sure that all the pieces is evident, organized, and precisely proper. That is nice if that’s what you need, and is ideal for his major work duties (which frequently contain planning and executing duties that might be unsafe if executed improperly), however he is usually a bit gradual in getting issues finalized and his depth for his work is usually a bit off-putting generally.
A number of days in the past, I used to be discussing some work with “Invoice,” who managers Karl’s supervisor, in a gathering in his workplace. I used to be telling Invoice what an excellent job that Karl had executed on a challenge, and the way Karl’s thoroughness had led to a great end result. I additionally commented that it took longer than anticipated, which brought on Invoice to smile and snicker a bit, knowingly, since he is aware of Karl effectively.
I then did one thing silly and unprofessional: In parting, I made a joking remark about not anticipating speedy work from Karl (one thing like, “Properly, Karl’s who you go to once you need thorough, however undoubtedly not once you need quick!”). I then rotated to go away and noticed Karl close by, talking to the admin. Karl regarded up at me, regarded away, and left. I wasn’t positive if he had heard me, however he has reasonably clearly dodged me within the corridor a number of instances since. My remark appeared pretty light to me on the time, however from Karl’s perspective, I can see why it might need been upsetting.
Previous to this, I had a great working relationship with Karl, and I loved speaking to him. I really feel horrible that I offended him with my inconsiderate, silly joke.
I wish to attempt to restore the connection, apologize to him, and categorical that I respect his work significantly. (Which I do!) Ought to I strive a direct strategy, knocking on his workplace door and apologizing in individual? Ought to I do one thing much less direct, like sending an e mail to him, copying his supervisor and expressing my appreciation for his glorious work on the challenge in query? (Such a letter is justified, no matter my contrition.) Or ought to I simply let it drop?
I reply this query over at Inc. as we speak, the place I’m revisiting letters which were buried within the archives right here from years in the past (and generally updating/increasing my solutions to them). You can learn it right here.
