What do you do if your boss in the 3D Printing industry doesn't understand your needs and concerns?

2 Understand your boss

Another important step is to understand your boss's perspective and goals. What are their priorities, expectations, and challenges? What are their motivations and incentives? How do they communicate and make decisions? By understanding your boss, you can tailor your approach and message to suit their style and preferences. You can also anticipate their concerns and objections, and address them proactively. For example, if your boss is focused on the budget and timeline, you can explain how 3D printing can save money and time in the long run.

3 Educate your boss

Sometimes, your boss may not understand your needs and concerns because they lack the knowledge and experience in 3D printing. In that case, you can take the initiative to educate them about the basics and benefits of 3D printing, as well as the challenges and limitations. You can use simple and clear language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and use examples and visuals to illustrate your points. You can also invite them to visit your workspace, see your 3D printer in action, and try some of your products. By educating your boss, you can build trust and rapport, and make them more receptive to your ideas and suggestions.

4 Negotiate your resources

One of the common issues that 3D printing professionals face is the lack of adequate resources, such as equipment, materials, software, and training. This can affect the quality and efficiency of your work, and cause frustration and stress. To overcome this issue, you need to negotiate with your boss for the resources you need. You can do this by presenting a clear and compelling case, backed by evidence and data, that shows how investing in 3D printing resources can benefit the company in terms of productivity, innovation, and customer satisfaction. You can also propose alternative solutions, such as renting, sharing, or outsourcing some of the resources, to reduce the cost and risk.

5 Seek feedback and support

Finally, you need to seek feedback and support from your boss and other sources. Feedback can help you improve your performance, align your goals, and resolve any conflicts or misunderstandings. You can ask your boss for regular and constructive feedback, and show that you are open and willing to learn and grow. You can also give feedback to your boss, and share your opinions and insights on 3D printing matters. Support can help you cope with the challenges and stress of working in the 3D printing industry. You can seek support from your boss, by asking for their guidance, recognition, and appreciation. You can also seek support from your colleagues, peers, mentors, and online communities, who can offer you advice, encouragement, and inspiration.

Working in the 3D printing industry can be rewarding and fun, but it can also be challenging and frustrating, especially if your boss doesn't understand your needs and concerns. By following these tips and strategies, you can communicate effectively and advocate for yourself, and make your work more enjoyable and satisfying.