Chinn Up!- January 24, 2024

Welcome to the first-ever edition of ?????????? ????!, a brand new LinkedIn series where I'll be tackling your?burning questions about career and mindset (and more) head-on! Be sure to hit that subscribe button and share with your network - let's make this a journey to the top, together!?

Today, we're addressing a question from "Abandoned in Albequerque" who needs advice on how to deal with an absentee boss:

Dear Brett,

My boss seems more preoccupied with her personal life than work. She is always traveling, never knows what is going on with our current workload (sometimes even giving out wrong information to us and clients), and says she is always available when in reality she is rarely there when you need her. She often passes off client communication tasks to associate level employees and does not set clear standards or expectations. How do I tell her these things without putting a target on my back?

Sincerely,

Abandoned in Albuquerque

Dear Abandoned in Albuquerque,

I'm sorry you're experiencing this.?It can be frustrating when a manager appears distracted by personal matters. Clear expectations are crucial for success, and a lack of them can make it challenging to excel.

I would ask you, what do you hope to achieve by addressing this with her? Do you want her to realize the error of her ways and?(hopefully) correct them, or do you want to make your life easier and?perform better in your own role? This will determine what approach you take, but, in any case, focusing on her shortcomings will only make you more frustrated and, in turn, frustrate your clients and teammates.?The good news is that, depending on your aspirations, your preoccupied boss might actually be setting you up for success!

If you're determined to hash it out with?your boss,?focus on positive suggestions and collaborative solutions rather than direct criticism.?Start by highlighting what's working before segueing into what could be improved. Come up with specific suggestions to improve workflows and communication, as well as how you can both set and manage expectations. Is there a better system you could use? Could you set a time to meet at the start and end of each day to make sure you're both on the same page? Be sure to use "I" statements instead of "you," which can help prevent defensiveness. For example, "I've noticed that sometimes we receive conflicting information about projects when you're away, which can lead to confusion."

Honestly, if you're afraid of putting a target on your back, you may want to consider a more passive (but just as effective) approach. The next time your boss drops the ball, take a second and roll your eyes, and then remember that you have agency in this situation. Why can't YOU be the person who picks up the ball and gets back in the game? After all, you were hired for a reason, and your boss clearly trusts that you're capable of handling things in her absence. So, if you suspect that she'll be late in replying to an external email, jump in and respond. Even an acknowledgment of receipt (i.e." I'll get back to you with an answer by the end of the day!") adds value and saves face. What's more, it makes you look competent without throwing your manager under the bus.

They say perception is reality, and pretty soon everyone will perceive you as the person who sets the tone and manages expectations - and your boss will be perceived however she is presenting herself.?

(No matter what approach you choose, I would also advise that you keep a record of your interactions with your boss, including dates, topics discussed, and proposed solutions, as well as where you've been able to step in and "be" the leader. This documentation can be helpful if you need to raise the issues again in the future or support your case for a promotion.)

Finally, I'm not making excuses for your boss, but we all have seasons where our "real life" requires more attention than our work life. Have you tried asking her what's going on? Remember that a little empathy can go a long way and strengthen even the most strained relationships. For now, practice patience, focus on what you can control, and let go of the rest. Everything except your actions is out of your hands, so what will you choose to do: complain or make things happen?

Chinn up, Albuquerque! I've got your back and I do not doubt that with the right attitude, you'll be running things on your own in no time at all.

Brett

Want me to answer your question in a future edition? Drop your conundrum in the comments or send it to me via DM or email ([email protected]). And please, let me know what you thought of today's newsletter in the comments. Thank you for your support!