It’s amazing how much smarter I’ve become about how to get along with radio station management now that I no longer have to do it.
Back in my disc jockey and PD days, my idea of “diplomacy” was to try not to raise my voice while pointing out to my manager why he or she was an idiot.
A while ago I received a help request from the program director of a station that is owned by a large radio group:
“Months ago I received corporate approval to attend an industry conference, with my registration to be paid for by the radio station. I’m expected to participate in the corporate programming meetings prior to the conference.
“But I can’t get the station manager to issue a check for the registration. Whenever I ask about it, he just says, ‘We’ll have to talk about that later.’
“I’m already paying my own travel and hotel expenses. Compared to how much money I’m making here, I’ll have to go into debt if I pay the registration fee, too.
“Frankly, if I weren’t expected to be at the programming meetings, I’d be happy to stay home. But I’m on the roster of attendees, and they expect me to be there.
“Should I remain passive and not make a big deal about it? Should I call the Corporate Director of Programming and ask him to call my GM? Or should I take vacation days and register myself with no reimbursement?”
Instead of asking the Corporate Director of Programming to call the GM (which could cause you conflict with the GM), I’d suggest calling him and saying, “I just wanted to check in with you and let you know that it looks like I won’t be able to attend the meeting at (Event). Although it was in the budget, I just can’t seem to get our GM to authorize the registration.”
By putting this in a phone call rather than an e-mail, the message can’t be copied & passed around to other people…e.g., the GM.
Meanwhile, you’re not complaining about anything or anyone. You’re simply calling the Corporate Director of Programming, apologetically, to explain why you can’t be at that meeting he wants you to attend.
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See I wouldnt go to any higher ups around the manager. Doing that comes across like you cant handle yourself and youre kind of being a whining squeeky wheel.
If it were me, I’d take a quiet moment when things are calm and sit down with the GM and ask him flat out. \Am I going to be able to go to this conference? I received approval, and I’m worried the deadline is drawing close. Please dont take this as disrespect, and Im really trying not to be pushy, I just want to make sure Im able to attend this conference. I think it would be beneficial to myself and the company. If theres any chance you can get me a check cut to cover registration before registration closes, I’d really appreciate it\
Just be sincere and real. Going around anyone like that doesnt seem like a good idea, no matter how you approach it. My opinion, the best way to get a good response and maintain the mutual respect at the workplace is to not take the cowardly approach and take the problem head on.
Excellent blog entry, Dan. Opens up a whole Pandora’s Box of issues. Not just in radio, but in every business.
I agree with JMack…approach it head on with the person that is causing you the hassle. I imagine you would want your boss to speak directly with you if there was a problem, so give him the same respect (respect he’s not showing you by deferring this decision/action, by the way. If managers are reading this, NOT acting on something doesn’t endear you to most of your employees.).
I’d prob be more direct than JMack…something along the lines of, \Bob (or whatever his name is), I really need to get a check from you. Corporate approved this and if you’re going to nix it, I need to know ASAP so I can cancel and give the conference time to find someone to replace me. So, definitely, let’s talk about it…but now. Is there a reason you don’t want me to go?\
It’s possible he has a very good reason, but it’s poor management to keep putting off the issue.