Larisa Lubimova – Practical Grammar and Vocabulary in the Workplace. Пособие по бизнес-английскому (страница 9)

12.To screw up —to do something badly or make a big mistake

Портить, портачить

You’d better not screw up this time.

13.Forewarned is forearmed – said to mean that if you know about something before it happens, you can be prepared for it

Предупрежден – значит вооружен

I was forewarned about the challenging negotiations with the new supplier, so I prepared extensively and managed to secure a favourable deal.

14.To hang in there – not to give up

Не сдаваться

I know things are tough but hang in there.

15.To flip-flop – to change plans completely

Полностью менять планы, мнение

If I were you, I wouldn’t rely on the person that flip-flops every time.

16.To get across an idea – to communicate effectively to convey the idea

Доносить идею

It was extremely difficult to get across my ideas.

17.Half-baked- not planned or considered carefully enough

Сырой

He’s always coming out with these half-baked ideas which will never work.

18.To face the music- to accept responsibility for something you have done

Храбро встречать трудности или критику

You have to face the music eventually.

19.A glitch- a small fault or problem, especially one that stops something from working

Сбой, проблема

There are always glitches in the early blueprints.

20. In the pipeline —a plan, product,etc.that is in the pipeline is being discusses or prepared and will be produced or finished in the future

В разработке, в планах

The pay rise is in the pipeline.

21.To cut corners-to reduce costs at the expense of quality

Экономить в ущерб качеству

The company decided to cut corners by using cheaper materials in the manufacturing process, but it ended up causing more quality control problems in the long run.

How to deal with tough issues at work

All of us face difficult conversations at work now and on. What are the issues that can be tough to discuss?

Unsolicited Advice

Underperformance

Criticism

Disappointment

Complaints and grievances

It goes without saying that we have to bottle up negative emotions in addressing these issues so as not to destroy the friendly atmosphere and a team spirit but such discussions are a necessary evil providing us an opportunity to resolve workplace conflicts quickly and efficiently and improve employees’ performance.

Many people avoid difficult conversations in the workplace because it makes them feel uncomfortable but we should remember that the problems will not go away by themselves. In fact, avoiding the conversation may prolong or exacerbate the problem, damage productivity, reduce staff confidence in the manager’s leadership skills and finally lead to employee turnover.

The right phrases can help you find the correct way of managing difficult conversations

HOW TO OPEN A TOUGH CONVERSATION

We suggest starting with conciliatory gestures using the phrases like these:

1 Is this a good time to talk? There are a few things I’d like to go over with you.

2 I need to speak with you about something; please feel free to speak your mind, as well.

3 I’m at a loss as to what to do about this. Perhaps you have some ideas?

4 We all need to have difficult conversations at some point, and this is one of those times.

if it doesn’t help, don’t hesitate to be blunt

1 I ’m just going to come out and say it: We need to talk. Now.

2 In my office, five minutes.

3 I am going to talk, and you are going to listen, okay?

How to Express a Specific Concern

Try to be polite, at least at the beginning of the discussion

1 There’s just one thing that’s bothering me about this…

2 You know, it seems like there could be a potential problem here.

3 Let’s revisit this for a moment. I’m sure I’m not the only one with doubts.

4 I’d like to put everything out on the table, okay?

5 Ignoring a problem will only make it worse, don’t you agree?

if it doesn’t work, don’t be afraid of sounding less polite

1 I think we need to face reality: This is a problem.

2 Can we at least agree that there is a problem?

3 Am I the only person who is concerned?

HOW TO GIVE UNSOLICITED ADVICE

We suggest trying to be gentle

1 May I offer my opinion? I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.

2 I know nobody asked, but I’d like to weigh on this if that’s okay.