July 1, 2010Reader Success Story: / The rejection letter that resulted in an endorsementBlindsided by the boss
Success story: The rejection letter that resulted in an endorsement
Before I signed my contracts with Morgan James Publishing, I researched the “buzz” about them. One author wrote,
Your kind “non acceptance” note was one of the classiest and well written I have ever seen in the publishing industry. Although my author’s manuscript was not chosen I will continue to send you projects in the future.”
I think the caliber of a company is reflected in how they treat people they aren’t doing business with. Too often companies forget to extend grace to those who aren’t making them any money.
Reader Success Story: Blindsided by the boss
A reader wrote: I remember a situation when a new boss blind-sided me in front of her boss (my first interaction with him) accusing me of creating a problem. In actuality, I had done my portion well, with no errors. The next person in the chain caused a small imperfection (you would laugh if I told you what it was). Instead of asking me about the perceived problem, she accused me of wrong doing.
After we got the issue worked out and were alone, I explained (rather boldly for me) that I could spend my time in the office working productively or I could spend it looking over my shoulder waiting to be blind-sided. I said that I would rather work, but the natural instinct when one feels at risk for attack is to look over one’s shoulder.
I explained that which option I ended up using was up to her and how she treated me. I added that if she had problems in the future with my work, I would appreciate her asking me before assuming I had failed to meet her expectations. I don’t know as it changed her approach long term, but it did for a while, and I felt much better about myself as I worked in a difficult environment.
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The rejection letter story reminds me of something I heard a radio personality say:
“My father told me many times that one of the best ways to judge someone’s character is to watch how they treat people who can’t do anything for them.”
Seems that the same applies to companies.
Comment by Roy Jacobsen — July 7, 2010 @ 8:05 pm
I believe that’s true.
many people are so short-sighted that they seem to overlook the fact that people who can’t do anything for us today might be able to save our lives tomorrow. I met a lady whose dream job depended on the decision of a man who had been a janitor where she worked a decade before. She had been gracious and he hired her.
Comment by merylrunion — July 7, 2010 @ 9:41 pm
I got a lovely rejection from a large magazine of an article idea I sent. I e-mailed back that it was the nicest rejection I ever got, and suggested a different angle. That was rejected, too, but I just sent in another possible angle. I should hear that result on Monday. But in any case, I made a very busy editor’s life a bit easier, so that makes me feel like a winner.
Comment by SLCCOM — July 10, 2010 @ 10:08 pm
Sigh. Still turned down.
Comment by SLCCOM — July 14, 2010 @ 6:36 pm
But gracefully, right?
Comment by merylrunion — July 14, 2010 @ 9:22 pm
Actually, yes!
Comment by SLCCOM — July 14, 2010 @ 9:46 pm
You know, for me, the grace might matter too much. I can feel great about things not working out if they proceed with grace and respect – and feel kind of crummy when they do work out when they didn’t proceed with grace and respect.
Maybe next time you’ll get both!
Comment by merylrunion — July 14, 2010 @ 9:56 pm