Report Problems Early
Thirty-two easy ways to report problems early, because early news is calm news and bosses love it.
Small problems grow in the dark. Bring them into the light early.
40 tips that really help
These ideas come from Lean In (Sheryl Sandberg), The Confidence Code (Katty Kay and Claire Shipman), Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Report problems early
Problems are easier to fix when they are small. Telling your manager early shows responsibility and builds trust, while hiding problems tends to make them worse. A good report states the issue, the impact, your plan and what help you need.
Practise a four-line report: issue, impact, plan, ask.
Know the signs
Delays, errors, risks.
List.
Speak at once
Not later.
Act.
State the issue
Clear.
Write.
State the impact
Who is affected.
Write.
State your plan
Options.
Write.
State your ask
Help needed.
Write.
Stay factual
No blame.
Stay calm.
Stay brief
One minute.
Trim.
Own your part
Honest.
Say it.
Offer a fix
Solutions.
Propose.
Agree next steps
Who, when.
Confirm.
Follow up
Update.
Schedule.
Avoid hiding
Worse later.
Report.
Avoid blaming
Neutral.
Rephrase.
Avoid waiting for perfection
Report with partial info.
Say so.
Scene: a missed deadline
Tell them before it passes.
Message.
Scene: an error in a report
Correct and inform.
Email.
Scene: a budget overrun
Share early.
Meet.
Scene: a safety issue
Report at once.
Follow policy.
Scene: a client complaint
Escalate and plan.
Call.
Scene: a team conflict
Raise with manager.
Book.
Scene: a system outage
Notify.
Alert.
Scene: a legal risk
Inform the right person.
Escalate.
Scene: a resource gap
Ask for help.
Request.
Scene: your own mistake
Own it.
Report.
Scene: someone else's mistake
Raise kindly.
Discuss.
Scene: unclear instructions
Ask early.
Clarify.
Scene: scope creep
Flag.
Discuss.
Scene: low morale
Share concerns.
Talk.
Scene: burnout risk
Say so.
Ask for support.
Scene: a boss who dislikes bad news
Frame with solutions.
Prepare.
Build psychological safety
Thank messengers.
Model.
Use a template
Issue, impact, plan, ask.
Save.
Use a channel
Appropriate.
Choose.
Use a meeting
If complex.
Book.
Learn
After resolution.
Debrief.
Be patient
Trust builds.
Keep going.
Celebrate
Early reports prevent big problems.
Mark it.
Close with trust
Say, “Early news is good news.”
Write it.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.
“I want to flag a possible delay.”
“Here is what I know so far.”
“Here is what I suggest.”
“Can I get your input?”
“Thank you for the support.”
“I will update you tomorrow.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Spot the problem
Check the facts
Think of options
Tell your boss early
Offer a plan
Stay calm
Update regularly
Further reading
- Lean In (Sheryl Sandberg)
- The Confidence Code (Katty Kay and Claire Shipman)
- Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
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Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “Confidence at Work”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Say No to Extra Work PolitelyNext: Show Your Value Every Month →
- Prepare Your Three Stories
- Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" Well
- Handle the Question You Fear
- Ask Great Questions Back
- Talk About Your Strengths Without Bragging
- Recover From a Bad Answer
- Follow Up With a Winning Note
- Speak in the First Ten Minutes
- Prepare One Point Before Every Meeting
- Disagree With a Colleague Kindly
- Handle Being Interrupted
- Share Credit and Claim Yours
- Speak Up in a Big Group
- Look Confident in Video Meetings
- Ask for Feedback Regularly
- Receive Criticism Without Crumbling
- Ask for a Raise With Evidence
- Share Ideas Without Fear
- Say No to Extra Work Politely
- Report Problems Early
- Show Your Value Every Month
- Introduce Yourself in a New Team
- Make Friends at Work
- Ask for Help Without Shame
- Handle a Difficult Colleague
- Stop Being the Office Pushover
- Celebrate Others and Be Celebrated
- Build Your Reputation Quietly
- Take on a Stretch Project
- Overcome Impostor Syndrome
- Lead Without a Title
- Give Your First Presentation
- Mentor Someone Newer
- Handle a Mistake at Work
- Set a Career Goal You Believe In
- Learn One New Skill Every Quarter
- Network Without Feeling Fake
- Say Yes to Opportunities That Scare You
- Protect Your Energy and Balance
- Your Confidence at Work Plan
