Don’t Want to Be a Reference for a Former Colleague? Ask Madeleine
Dear Madeleine,
Our company is experiencing the pressures of the economic downturn in my country (not the US). One of the solutions has been to eliminate a layer of management. As a result, at least four business units that had been led by VPs are now reporting to me.
I am shocked at the lack of process, fundamental organization, and competence I am seeing in all four of these units. I know the leaders were let go as part of a reduction in force, but I wonder if anyone knew how inefficiently they were being run.
I am finding it hard not to constantly express my confusion and dismay at how things have been done. There are some good people, and most seem grateful to finally have some leadership.
Here is my problem. One of the VPs, someone I was friendly with before he was laid off, has recently been in touch to ask if I will serve as a reference. I just don’t know how I can in good conscience say anything positive about his work.
Caught in a Bind
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Dear Caught in a Bind,
You can’t. This is simpler than you think. Your logic is being clouded by your dismay at uncovering your friendly acquaintance’s incompetence. Since you actually had no insight into his performance while he was with the company, all you can really comment on is what little you experienced of a person you were friendly with.
It is totally reasonable to tell the person requesting a reference that you do not feel you were familiar enough with his work while he was at your company to provide a reference.
That is really all you need to do. If he is hoping you will be so wowed by what you found upon taking over that you will jump at the opportunity, he will probably take the hint. If he is hoping you will just make something up to avoid having to say no, he obviously doesn’t know you very well. You can decline, kindly and respectfully.
Your instinct to keep a lid on expressing your shock and disappointment is right on. Don’t trash the former leaders, much as you want to. You never know who you will end up working with in the future.
Focus on all the turnaround work that needs to be done and take care of all those poorly led people.
Love, Madeleine
About Madeleine
Madeleine Homan Blanchard is a master certified coach, author, speaker, and cofounder of Blanchard Coaching Services as well as a key facilitator of Blanchard’s Leadership Coach Certification course. Madeleine’s Advice for the Well Intentioned Manager is a regular Saturday feature for a very select group: well intentioned managers. Leadership is hard—and the more you care, the harder it gets. Join us here each week for insight, resources, and conversation.
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