When faced with a problem and needing to confront a person in authority, here are some excellent tips for finding solutions:

1.    Be positive in your approach.  Make sure that your attitude has been adjusted and a positive attitude will shine through.

2.    Be clear and stay focused on what you want to ask.  During times of stress, we can often get side tracked.

3.    When there is a problem, be sure that you are talking to the person who can make the difference.  At times, it isn’t the person “in charge” who can make a difference.  You may want to establish contact with a person who is the assistant or secretary of the “head person.”

4.    Ask what happened and why.  Try to get specific information by asking pointed questions.

5.    Think solutions, not just complaints.  When you go to a person with a problem, be sure that you have thought through your concerns enough so that you can come up with some solutions.

6.      Keep within your own experience of the problem.  Often, we want to broaden the problem to include others.  This can create problems and you should avoid sharing another person’s problem.

7.      Write down beforehand what you want to say.  Include the list of issues and questions you want answered, in case you forget in the meeting.

8.      Focus on a way forward rather than the problem.

This information was supplied by

The Family Cafe
888-309-CAFE
www.FamilyCafe.net