I Just Got Wrote Up...Now What?

I remember being written up once in my leadership career. What started as a verbal discussion quickly turned into an official write-up. My peers and I were tasked with overseeing a process for one of our clients, ensuring we were meeting our contractual obligations. But, to be honest, we were doomed from the start—it was an unrealistic promise made by our CEO.

In September or October of 2016, I was called into the office and told that I didn’t follow the process, which resulted in the client being upset. I was given a verbal warning. I sat there and just took it because, at that moment, I knew this was a battle I couldn’t win. Fast-forward to December, and I was pulled in again. This time, I was officially written up for the same issue from October. Because of this write-up, I lost my bonus that month.

Talk about being mad—I was furious. It felt like I was undervalued and being mistreated, especially since it was my Christmas bonus on the line. But, in that moment, I learned some valuable lessons about handling write-ups and knowing your worth as a leader.

Step 1: Don’t Take It Personally
Getting written up, whether it’s fair or not, isn’t a reflection of your value. As a leader, you’re going to face challenges, and sometimes that includes being criticized. But remember, this moment doesn’t define your entire leadership journey.

Step 2: Own Your Part
Even when the situation feels unfair, it’s important to own what’s yours. If you’ve made a mistake, acknowledge it and show a willingness to improve. Taking responsibility is a sign of growth, and as a leader, you should always strive to be better. For me, I had to accept that, in some way, I could’ve handled the situation differently.

Step 3: Communicate and Clarify
Sometimes, a write-up is based on miscommunication. Don’t be afraid to open up a dialogue with your boss or the person who issued the write-up. Ask questions, seek clarity, and if necessary, respectfully share your side of the story. Leaders are communicators, and understanding the full scope of the situation is key.

Step 4: Remember Your Worth
A write-up doesn’t define your value as a leader. In that moment, I felt undervalued, but I had to remind myself of my skills, talents, and the impact I’d already made. You’re still a leader. Don’t let one setback make you forget how capable you are. You’ve got this!

Step 5: Use It as a Learning Moment
Even in frustration, there’s always room for growth. Whether it’s improving your communication style or how you handle pressure, take the feedback and use it to evolve. As leaders, every situation is a learning opportunity, even when it doesn’t feel good.

In the words of Viola Davis, "You either have to be part of the solution, or you're going to be part of the problem." Be part of the solution, sis. Handle that write-up with grace, keep your head high, and know that your worth goes far beyond one moment of criticism. You’ve got the power to rise above it! ✨