Page 83 - Perfect Phrases for Motivating and Rewarding

■ Help supervisors who report to you learn to delegate
appropriately. Delegating means selecting the right person for
the right job, not pushing unwanted tasks onto others.

Motivational Phrases

■ “I know that recent layoffs have increased everyone’s
workload. Think about these questions as you review the tasks
that you now face: Is this necessary? Can it be consolidated?
Can it be eliminated? Can it be delegated?”
■ “I know time tracking seems like yet another job, but it does
help you evaluate how you spend your time. We’re only doing
this for one week.”
■ “I realize you’re focused and in a time crunch, and I hate to
interrupt, but we’ve just had a setback on another deadline
and may have to refocus.”
■ “I appreciate your covering Sam’s phone while he’s at the
conference. I know it’s a constant interruption. Why not let his
calls go to his voice mail and check it every hour so you can
stay focused on your work?”
■ “Myrna from marketing seems to think our department is her
social obligation each time she passes through. It is not rude
to smile at her and go right back to work.”
■ “Just because a request came in by e-mail doesn’t mean that
your response is required within minutes. Your priorities are
important. Unless the message is urgent, plan the best time for
you to respond.”
■ “I noticed that toward the end of the day, you are playing
major catch-up. I used to struggle with managing priorities,
but then I took this great course. Would you like some time
management suggestions from the pros?”
■ “Bouncing between priorities can slow you down. Have you
considered giving yourself a telephone-free time slot?”
■ “Joseph can keep you on the phone until next week. I’ve
learned never to ask him an open-ended question. Also, I

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