Your boss is disorganized and it’s impacting your work. What can you do to help them get organized?

1 Communicate clearly

One of the main causes of disorganization is poor communication. Your boss may not be aware of your expectations, priorities, or challenges. Or they may have different ideas or assumptions than you. To avoid misunderstandings and frustration, communicate clearly and frequently with your boss. Use simple and direct language, confirm details and deadlines, and ask for feedback and clarification. You can also use tools like email, calendars, reminders, and shared documents to keep track of your communication and tasks.

2 Offer solutions

Your boss may be disorganized because they are overwhelmed, distracted, or lack the skills or tools to manage their work effectively. Instead of complaining or criticizing, offer solutions that can help your boss get organized. For example, you can suggest a system to organize files, folders, and documents. You can propose a weekly or daily meeting to review progress and goals. You can recommend a software or app that can streamline workflows and processes. You can also offer to help with some tasks or projects that your boss is struggling with, if you have the time and expertise.

3 Set boundaries

While you want to help your boss get organized, you also need to protect your own work and well-being. You can't let your boss's disorganization affect your performance, quality, or reputation. You need to set boundaries and expectations with your boss. For example, you can tell your boss that you need a reasonable notice and clear instructions for any changes or requests. You can also ask your boss to respect your working hours and avoid contacting you outside of them, unless it's an emergency. You can also say no to tasks or projects that are beyond your scope, capacity, or responsibility.

4 Seek support

Sometimes, your boss's disorganization may be too much to handle on your own. You may feel stressed, frustrated, or burned out. You may also face conflicts or problems with other colleagues, customers, or stakeholders because of your boss's actions or inactions. In that case, you need to seek support from others who can help you cope or resolve the situation. You can talk to your co-workers, peers, or mentors who may have similar experiences or advice. You can also escalate the issue to your boss's supervisor, HR, or another authority figure, if necessary.

5 Focus on the positive

Working with a disorganized boss can be challenging and demotivating, but it can also have some positive aspects. You can use this opportunity to develop your own skills, such as communication, problem-solving, initiative, and resilience. You can also build your reputation and credibility by delivering high-quality work despite the difficulties. You can also look for the positive traits or contributions of your boss, such as their creativity, enthusiasm, or vision. By focusing on the positive, you can reduce your stress, improve your relationship, and find more satisfaction in your work.