The following practical manual of the US News server will give you tips on how to save face when your boss calls you into his office to reprimand you concerning your performance.
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Listen carefully. In the initial phase, you often do not have any other option than to sit and listen. Do not panic, instead try to listen as closely as possible to what your boss is actually saying.
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Do not start to defend yourself automatically. Your first reaction will probably be the tendency to defend yourself by any means. Do not put yourself into a defensive position right away, it will not get you anywhere. Rather, you should talk the whole matter over in a calm manner.
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Ask questions. If your boss is vague and you are not sure that you understand what it is he is trying to say, ask him if he can give you some particular examples.
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Do not take the matter lightly. Show that you are taking the issue seriously and that you are willing to give the matter thorough consideration.
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Let yourself be heard if you disagree. If your boss brings up something absolutely untrue that you do not agree with, it is certainly all right to express a different opinion. However, you have to be certain that it is not only your ego talking.
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Is it legitimate? Try to think genuinely and honestly whether some of the reproaches may be justified.
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Suggest what to do in the future. Come up with, and present a plan how to improve your performance based on the feedback you have just received.
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Thank for the initiative. It may be hard, and you may have to force yourself a little, but thank your boss for his time and for the comments that you will now take into consideration.
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