Dear Aunty B,
My budgets have been set too high by my CEO and there is no way I can meet them. The heads of the other business units have all been given achievable targets but mine are ridiculous. I always hit targets and I think they just expect me to achieve them – which is why they put them so high. I am also the only woman leading a business unit and the rest are blokes. I also wasn’t around when we were doing plans as I was having a baby so I think while the men were able to manage expectations at those sessions I wasn’t. I am not getting much sleep as I am still breast feeding and I am feeling like all this is out of my control.
Any idea how to play this?
Linda F
Dear Linda F,
You are just feeling overwhelmed. Here is what you need to do.
Put your partner on overnight duty. Express some milk, put on a blind fold, stick in your ear plugs, close the door and have a great night’s sleep – or do it for a few nights if your breasts can stand it and your milk is not affected.
Then plan a meeting. Go in and ask them why they have set the targets so high when other targets for the other units are lower? Stay very cool, crack a few jokes, keep your voice low and make your case.
Remember, everything is within your control – after a good night’s sleep. You know how to do this. You have done it before. Or you wouldn’t be where you are now.
Be smart,
Your Aunty B
James was the editor and publisher of SmartCompany and LeadingCompany for five years. He is now the Australian Financial Review‘s companies & markets editor, and a former BRW editor.
