You're struggling to communicate with your boss about concerns. How can you effectively address issues?

Timing is crucial! I have learned this repeatedly with my youngest son in his early twenties. He has made it abundantly clear when he is unable listen, unable to accept any suggestions! I respect his need for me to just listen, listen to understand. I sincerely appreciate that my gift is to listen to understand, not to respond. I frequently ask, “Tell me More”!!! ??

1. Be Specific and Focused: When meeting with your boss, directly address the problem you're facing and offer specific details and examples for clarity. 2. Determine Your Boss's Motivations: Understand what drives your boss such as their goals and priorities. 3. Choose Your Words Carefully: Be clear, professional, and direct. Avoid vague language and focus on the issue at hand. 4. Empathize: Put yourself in your boss's shoes. 5. Avoid Discussing Your Boss with Coworkers: Avoid venting about your boss to colleagues. 6. Anticipate Expectations: Understand what your boss expects from you and proactively meet those expectations. 7. Practice Leadership Skills: Show initiative, take responsibility, and demonstrate leadership qualities.

When addressing a concern with a difficult boss, it's essential to first understand the underlying reasons for the communication challenges. By analysing their communication style (visual, auditory, or kinesthetics), you can tailor your approach to effectively convey your message. For example, if your boss is a visual learner, using visual aids like charts or diagrams can enhance understanding. If they are kinesthetics, focusing on the emotional impact of the concern and conveying it empathetically may be more effective. That's how I navigated my communication with a difficult boss in the past, and I still using this technique to coach my clients.

When speaking to anyone about a potential conflict it's natural to focus on ourselves. How are we feeling? What are we going to say? How can we get what we want? It's important to have clarity in articulating our point of view, but it's equally important to be prepared to listen to theirs. Setting a time when you both can be fully present is the starting point. Consider sending a brief agenda in advance to keep the discussion on track. Finally, be aware of the other person's style of decision-making. Do they need time to consider the conversation and get back to you, or can you expect a resolution on the spot? Be considerate of their communication style and adjust your expectations if needed.

You can be an empath and still be professional. I experienced this in a recent staff meeting as the team was trying to resolve a conflict with our team leader. I knew this leader well and her dominant leadership style. She wanted facts and figures, not feelings and details. Other team members felt railroaded and shut down by intimidation, some holding back tears. I observed quietly and then "translated" by repeating the point of view of a team member so she felt understood but restated it in a verbal outline highlighting the most important points that our team leader could use. We all wanted the same outcome and by using each other's strengths by staying calm, professional, and focused the meeting was successful.

Instead of just highlighting the problems, focus on presenting potential solutions. This approach demonstrates your proactive mindset and commitment to resolving issues, making it easier for your boss to engage in a constructive conversation.

A boss wants success for the business, company, client, team and themselves; hopefully- all of the above . Identifying what is the most important concern , understanding and speaking their language and communicating that the same concerns matter to you and you would love their insights about possible solutions you may have , may create the movement you have been seeking.

After discussing your concerns, follow up with your boss to reinforce the importance of the issues and to show that you’re committed to seeing the solutions through. This helps ensure that the conversation leads to real action and keeps the dialogue open.

Finally, reflect on the conversation to understand what went well and where improvements can be made. Learning from the experience allows you to enhance your communication skills for future interactions, ensuring that your concerns are addressed more effectively over time.