What do you do if your boss in the accounting field is difficult to communicate with?

1 Assess Situation

Before addressing the issue directly, take a step back to objectively assess the situation. Consider whether your boss's communication style is consistently challenging or if it fluctuates based on circumstances such as deadlines or stress levels. Understanding the root cause can help you tailor your approach. In accounting, where details are critical, miscommunication can lead to significant errors, so it's important to ensure you're interpreting instructions correctly and providing the necessary information in a format that your boss prefers.

2 Plan Approach

Once you've assessed the situation, plan your approach carefully. If your boss is more responsive to written communication, consider sending concise emails outlining your points. For complex accounting topics that require thorough discussion, suggest a scheduled meeting with a clear agenda. This allows both parties to prepare and ensures that time is set aside specifically for communication. Remember, in accounting, the devil is often in the details, so be prepared with examples or reports to support your points.

4 Adapt Style

Adapting your communication style to better align with your boss's preferences can go a long way. If they prefer brevity, learn to be concise in your explanations and queries, especially when dealing with complex financial statements or accounting principles. On the other hand, if they require detailed information, provide comprehensive reports and be ready to delve into the specifics. This flexibility can help mitigate misunderstandings and facilitate smoother interactions.

5 Seek Feedback

Seeking feedback regularly can help you gauge whether your efforts to improve communication are working. After meetings or project completions, ask for input on your communication effectiveness. In accounting, where audits and compliance checks are routine, consider this feedback as an internal audit of your communication skills. It offers a chance for continuous improvement and shows your boss that you're committed to working effectively together.

6 Use Mediation

If all else fails and communication remains a barrier to effective work, consider using mediation. This could involve HR or another neutral party within the company to facilitate a discussion about communication issues. In accounting, just as with reconciling accounts, sometimes an external perspective can help identify discrepancies and guide both parties towards a resolution that ensures the smooth operation of the accounting department.

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?