登录查看更多内容

What do you do if your boss is resistant to upward communication?

由人工智能和领英社区提供技术支持

Upward communication is the process of sharing information, feedback, and ideas from lower to higher levels of an organization. It can help project leaders improve their performance, solve problems, and foster trust and collaboration. However, not all bosses are open to hearing from their subordinates. Some may be defensive, dismissive, or even hostile to upward communication. What do you do if your boss is resistant to upward communication? Here are some tips to help you overcome this challenge and communicate effectively with your boss.

此文章中的业界达人

由社区从 8 条内容中精选。了解更多

Arun Kumar

Lead Salesforce Business Analyst ●Scrum Professional● Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certified● Trailhead Mountaineer● 80x…
Ramya Rai

Associate Director at TIAA
Jacqueline Potter

Strategic Finance (FP&A) Specialist. Six Sigma/Lean. A Global Citizen.

1 Understand the reasons

The first step is to understand why your boss is resistant to upward communication. There could be many possible reasons, such as lack of time, insecurity, fear of losing control, or preference for top-down communication. Try to empathize with your boss and see things from their perspective. What are their goals, priorities, and expectations? How do they prefer to receive information and feedback? What are the potential benefits and risks of upward communication for them? By understanding the reasons behind their resistance, you can tailor your communication style and approach to suit their needs and preferences.

添加您的观点

Arun Kumar

Lead Salesforce Business Analyst ●Scrum Professional● Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certified● Trailhead Mountaineer● 80x Badges- ConsultAdd Inc
举报内容
Upward communication is not used in every organisation so first of all you need to understand the mindset of your Boss, WHY is he rigid about it? Is it because of the direct communication or trust factor. You can achieve this by choosing a right time for creating a room for open communication and using tactful manner to create a two way communication through multiple channels and you need to have a lot of patient in order to meet the goal for upward communication.

已翻译

赞
Ramya Rai

Associate Director at TIAA
举报内容
"Resistance" sometimes could be in our minds and our boss might be actually busy when you wanted to communicate. Firstly, isolate this perception with reality using instances when you felt resistance. If there is really an issue- 1. Access about the voice of tone and content of what you spoke in your previous communication to check if any improvement is needed. 2. Avoid casual ways to approach your boss. Instead, setup a calendar invite a week before(or recurring invite) so that they would get free at that time. 3. Have the agenda of communication clearly set along with solution you wanted to propose and feeback you are looking for. 4. Last but not the least, be a good listener and steer the conversation comprehending what you listen.

已翻译

赞
Sebastien Tang

I help Western companies implement Salesforce in Korea to accelerate their market expansion
举报内容
Getting why your boss doesn't like getting advice or news from others helps you talk in a way they want, making it easier for them to listen.

已翻译

赞

2 Choose the right timing and channel

The second step is to choose the right timing and channel for your upward communication. Timing is important because you want to avoid interrupting your boss when they are busy, stressed, or distracted. Channel is important because you want to use the most appropriate and effective medium for your message. For example, if you want to share a complex or sensitive issue, you may want to use a face-to-face meeting rather than an email. If you want to provide positive feedback or recognition, you may want to use a phone call or a handwritten note rather than a text message. Consider the urgency, complexity, and tone of your message and choose the timing and channel that will maximize your chances of getting your boss's attention and response.

添加您的观点

Sebastien Tang

I help Western companies implement Salesforce in Korea to accelerate their market expansion
举报内容
Picking the right moment and also the way to talk to your boss helps make sure they really listen and understand what you are saying.

已翻译

赞

3 Be clear and concise

The third step is to be clear and concise in your upward communication. Your boss may not have a lot of time or patience to read or listen to long and vague messages. Therefore, you need to get to the point quickly and clearly. Use simple and direct language and avoid jargon and acronyms. Provide relevant facts and evidence and avoid opinions and assumptions. Highlight the main points and key takeaways and avoid unnecessary details and repetition. Use headings, bullet points, and visuals to organize and enhance your message. Be respectful and polite and avoid blaming or criticizing your boss or others. By being clear and concise, you can communicate your message effectively and efficiently and avoid confusion and misunderstanding.

添加您的观点

Sebastien Tang

I help Western companies implement Salesforce in Korea to accelerate their market expansion
举报内容
Talking straight and keeping it short helps your boss quickly understand what you need without getting lost in too many words.

已翻译

赞

4 Focus on solutions and value

The fourth step is to focus on solutions and value in your upward communication. Your boss may be more receptive to your message if you show how it can help them achieve their goals, solve their problems, or improve their situation. Instead of just reporting problems or challenges, propose solutions or suggestions. Instead of just asking for resources or support, explain how they can benefit the project and the organization. Instead of just providing feedback or ideas, demonstrate how they can add value or create opportunities. By focusing on solutions and value, you can show your boss that you are proactive, constructive, and aligned with their interests.

添加您的观点

Jacqueline Potter

Strategic Finance (FP&A) Specialist. Six Sigma/Lean. A Global Citizen.
举报内容
To be successful in any role, we often forget that it is equally important to be able to lead a team (downward communication) as well as upward communication (aka managing your boss). Upward communication is very different from downward communication. The tone and style of communication requires that you communicate tactfully and purposefully. If you have a disagreement with your boss, it is best to choose your words and tone wisely so as not to come across as "whiny". Instead of complaining about a problem, come up with a solution/suggestion to solve it before approaching your boss. That way, it is constructive and you comes across as a problem solver, a team player looking for improve and benefit the team.

已翻译

赞
Sebastien Tang

I help Western companies implement Salesforce in Korea to accelerate their market expansion
举报内容
When you talk to your boss, always mention ways to fix problems and how they'll help. This shows that you're really thinking about improving things.

已翻译

赞

5 Seek feedback and follow up

The fifth step is to seek feedback and follow up on your upward communication. Your boss may not always respond or acknowledge your message, but that does not mean they have ignored or rejected it. You need to seek feedback and follow up to ensure that your message has been received, understood, and acted upon. Ask your boss for their opinion, input, or approval on your message. Ask them if they have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. Ask them if they need any additional information or clarification. Thank them for their time and attention and confirm the next steps or actions. By seeking feedback and following up, you can close the communication loop and build rapport and trust with your boss.

添加您的观点

Sebastien Tang

I help Western companies implement Salesforce in Korea to accelerate their market expansion
举报内容
Always ask your boss what they think and check back later to ensure they got your message and know what to do next. This will help you stay connected.

已翻译

赞

6 Be persistent and patient

The sixth step is to be persistent and patient in your upward communication. Your boss may not change their attitude or behavior overnight, but that does not mean you should give up or stop communicating. You need to be persistent and patient in delivering your message and overcoming their resistance. Keep communicating regularly and consistently and show your commitment and professionalism. Keep adapting and improving your communication style and approach and show your flexibility and willingness to learn. Keep providing value and solutions and show your contribution and potential. By being persistent and patient, you can gradually earn your boss's respect and confidence and enhance your upward communication.

添加您的观点

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?

添加您的观点

Project Leadership

+ 关注

给文章评分

我们借助人工智能创建了此文章。您认为这篇文章怎么样？

很棒不太好

举报此文章

查看全部

What do you do if your boss is resistant to upward communication?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand the reasons

2 Choose the right timing and channel

3 Be clear and concise

4 Focus on solutions and value

5 Seek feedback and follow up

6 Be persistent and patient

7 Here’s what else to consider

Project Leadership

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

更多Project Leadership相关文章

更多相关阅读内容

What do you do if your boss is resistant to upward communication?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand the reasons

2 Choose the right timing and channel

3 Be clear and concise

4 Focus on solutions and value

5 Seek feedback and follow up

6 Be persistent and patient

7 Here’s what else to consider

Project Leadership

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

查看其他技能