Here's how you can navigate a boss who lacks clear direction or guidance.

The lack of clear direction or guidance from the manager/boss maybe due to immense distractions, overwhelming workload, disruptive change or any other challenges in the workplace. The first step is to seek clarity in order for transparency to prevail. Once, the reason has been established, there must be clear communication from everyone involved in ensuring that this is improved on. The organisation must be fair to both the employees in ensuring that objectives are delivered and a positive environment prevails.

Dealing with a boss who’s unclear? Try this: Ask Questions: Get specifics on tasks and goals. Take Initiative: Suggest solutions and make decisions. Check In: Regularly update your boss on your progress. Stay Positive: Keep a good attitude and be adaptable.

In such situations I often try to come up with very specific problem related questions which helps both of us to get better clarity on the task at hand. Even if it sounds repetitive asking as many questions as possible is the key. It helps us as a team to peace things together and sometimes even provide better solution.

I have faced this problem with a client, and the best thing you can do is ask alot of specific questions to get the details you need, and don't be scared to follow up. It shows you're committed to doing a great job and ensures you're on the same page. Don’t be afraid to seek clarity—it’s all about making sure you can deliver your best work.

In this case, lead by example. You know what you are capable of. You know that you should pick 3 priority projects and stick to them. Form teams with diffrent levels of input to approach the projects. Stick to timelines. You can do it--manage yourself as if you were the manager! You will be recognized and if you are going in the wrong direction, your teams will keep you straight!

I've been in situations where a client wasn’t clear with directions. What worked for me was keeping them updated regularly on my progress and decisions. I use a CRM system to show my work, which helps with full transparency and building trust. If you don't have a system, just make sure to provide regular updates. Being straightforward with clients also helps maintain a good working relationship.

Staying positive has huge advantages. Instead of getting frustrated, I see unclear direction as a chance to step up and take initiative. It’s helped me build confidence and show my problem-solving skills. Plus, a positive attitude makes tackling challenges much easier and more enjoyable.

Sharing stories, building use cases that can be leveraged by management, is a way to convey the relevancy of my job - for instance - and provide them with knowledge PMs can use to expand their vision.

Here I would refer to the historical dialogues between the courtesans and the kings where the wise men would always rephrase his words so the exact desired outcome would come from the king, despite having fed the exact thoughts subtly into their minds. Although in this era this technique needs quite an effort but its certainly worth it!