What do you do if your boss in a commercial design job has unclear boundaries and expectations?

1 Clarify the goals and expectations

The first step to deal with unclear boundaries and expectations is to ask your boss to clarify the goals and expectations of the project. What is the purpose, audience, and message of the design? What are the deliverables, timelines, and budget? What are the criteria for success and feedback? How often and how do you communicate and report your progress? By asking these questions, you can get a better understanding of what your boss wants and needs from you, and avoid confusion and misunderstandings later on.

3 Seek feedback and validation

The third step to deal with unclear boundaries and expectations is to seek feedback and validation from your boss and other sources. Feedback is essential for improving your design skills, learning from your mistakes, and meeting your client's needs. However, if your boss is unclear or inconsistent with their feedback, you may feel lost, frustrated, or demotivated. To overcome this, you can seek feedback and validation from other sources, such as your peers, mentors, or online communities. You can also ask your boss specific and constructive questions to get more clarity and direction from them.

4 Manage your emotions and stress

The fourth step to deal with unclear boundaries and expectations is to manage your emotions and stress. Working with a boss who has unclear boundaries and expectations can be stressful and exhausting. You may feel anxious, angry, or depressed. To cope with these emotions, you need to take care of your mental and physical health. You can do this by practicing self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, meditating, or doing something you enjoy. You can also talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist, to vent your feelings and get support.

5 Negotiate or change the situation

The fifth step to deal with unclear boundaries and expectations is to negotiate or change the situation. If you have tried the previous steps and still find it difficult to work with your boss, you may need to take more drastic actions. You can try to negotiate with your boss to improve the communication, collaboration, and clarity of the project. You can also look for other opportunities within or outside your organization, where you can work with a boss who has clear boundaries and expectations. You deserve to work in a commercial design job that respects your skills, values, and goals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?