Negative Messages
Email to teammate:
Hello, Henry:
My name is Daniel Floore, the project manager for your department. I am very proud of the effort the team has put in this quarter. You have all done excellent work. Despite this, I am sorry to say that the financial goal was not met, which means the expected bonuses are not going to be awarded. I know that this is a disappointment to every member of the team. In fact, I was planning on taking a really nice vacation with my bonus.
I hope you understand that this is simply about the numbers, and is in no way a reflection on the team’s competence or effort. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Please let me know if you have any questions, so we can discuss any changes in strategy for the next quarter to ensure reaching our goal.
Memo to manager:
MEMO
TO: Tom Tucker, Manager
FROM: Daniel Floore, Project Manager
DATE: October 5, 2008
SUBJECT: Financial Goal and Bonuses
My team fell short of our financial goal this quarter. As a result, we will not be receiving bonuses. The team performed very well, and made a strong effort to complete the project on time. Even with this effort, we had difficulty meeting the goal. I would appreciate a response with feedback concerning the following items:
1. Expectations for future goals—Suggestions on how to be better prepared to reach our goal.
2. Team Reorganization—I would like to shuffle the responsibilities of some of my team in order to increase productivity, as discussed in our meeting last week.
3. Progress Report—I would like to consider more frequent progress reports to better track inadequacies in performance.
I would like to discuss these items with you at our next production meeting in November. I will address any questions concerning implementation of these items.
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