Your Office Coach: Worker needs to initiate healing of relationship with boss

My boss took away one of my responsibilities because I failed to meet a deadline. Unfortunately, I have no excuse to explain why I didn't finish the project on time. I just didn't. But I will say that we have had a rather heavy workload recently.

Looking back, I suppose I should have told my boss that the project was behind schedule. However, I feel she should be more understanding because I am very good at my job. I'm still thinking about leaving, even though I truly love my work. What's your opinion?

I think you're upset with the wrong person. Failing to warn your manager about the project delay was a serious error. As a result, she had to deliver this unwelcome surprise to her own boss, who may have been equally unhappy. Whenever bad news becomes inevitable, management should be told immediately.

On top of that, when you finally did share this information, you apparently had no reasonable excuse for being late. So even if your manager overreacted, the changes to your job clearly resulted from your own bad judgment. Getting angry with your boss may be easier than accepting this reality, but it certainly won't help your career.

If you try to retaliate by leaving a job you love, you will only be hurting yourself. A wiser course would be to rectify the relationship with your manager by apologizing for the missed deadline and assuring her that you will not repeat your mistakes. If you're as talented as you say you are, perhaps she will consider reversing her decision.

Marie G. McIntyre, a workplace coach, is author of "Secrets to Winning at Office Politics." Send in questions and get free coaching tips at www.yourofficecoach.com.

This story was originally published December 26, 2015 at 7:17 PM with the headline "Your Office Coach: Worker needs to initiate healing of relationship with boss ."