I wish I had a pound for every time I have heard this story…I’ve just posted a blog, and someone sends me an email with a question. It is seldom a question asked in front of the group, in the comments box, but rather separately in this 1-1 email.
These usually start with…I’ve tried what you are suggesting, but my supervisor just didn’t get it. Or I’ve tried having that conversation with my career counsellor, but he wasn’t very helpful. Or my leader just doesn’t respond in the way I want her to, when I approach her. Or my team lead doesn’t do the things you write about in the blog.
“I’ve tried raising my concern, but it hasn’t made any difference”.
As I read the email, I am wondering, “what do you want me to do about it?” I’m a blogger, I’m not a miracle worker 
. I’m a long way away from you and your world, and I’ve never met you or the other players in this situation.
I cannot rescue you.
And I shouldn’t rescue you…because this is about you and your needs.
I may have lots of wise things to say about people development, and plenty of experience of it too, but I cannot intervene in your relationship with your supervisor or career counsellor. You know and I know that they should be doing the things I write about in this blog, but not everyone gets it yet!
So you need to educate them about your needs.
If the conversation doesn’t work the first time, think about how you can explain your needs in a different way.
My Mum used to tell me “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” So maybe you should listen to my Mum in this situation, not me.
