Robert Half International
You've been late meeting a client's deadline for the third month
in a row because a colleague hasn't given you the information you need
in time. Despite repeatedly stressing the importance of sticking to the
timeline, there has been no change in behavior. Your client has been
patient, but it's clear he's beginning to get annoyed. It's time to talk
to your colleague about the issue. The problem? This colleague also
happens to be your boss.
If there's one situation that
requires you to muster all of your diplomacy and professionalism, it's
giving your manager feedback. Should you speak up? What's the right way
to do so? Will your boss even listen to you?
Navigating these waters can be tricky, and making a wrong move may have serious career consequences. Here is some advice.
Consider your boss's personality.
How open your boss is to receiving feedback plays a big part in how you approach the situation. Of course it's tough to come right out and ask your manager if he or she would like some criticism. Instead, look for clues. For example, does your supervisor welcome candid comments during meetings, or are others' ideas and opinions quickly dismissed?
How open your boss is to receiving feedback plays a big part in how you approach the situation. Of course it's tough to come right out and ask your manager if he or she would like some criticism. Instead, look for clues. For example, does your supervisor welcome candid comments during meetings, or are others' ideas and opinions quickly dismissed?
You might also talk to your colleagues to get a temperature
check. Ask a few co-workers if the issue you want to raise is worth
mentioning and if they've ever critiqued the boss. How did they approach
the situation, and what type of reaction did they receive?
Set the stage.
If you decide it's worth speaking up, don't blindside your boss with the news that you disagree with her decision or approach. You don't have to go into great detail, but before you meet, give her an idea of what you want to discuss. For example, you might say, "I've been thinking about the new time-off policy you introduced. Do you have a moment later this afternoon to talk about it?"
If you decide it's worth speaking up, don't blindside your boss with the news that you disagree with her decision or approach. You don't have to go into great detail, but before you meet, give her an idea of what you want to discuss. For example, you might say, "I've been thinking about the new time-off policy you introduced. Do you have a moment later this afternoon to talk about it?"
Time it right.
Be sensitive to what your supervisor might be dealing with before setting up a time to talk, unless the matter is extremely urgent. If the team is short-staffed and your manager is trying to help everyone manage the extra work, wait until things slow down.
Be sensitive to what your supervisor might be dealing with before setting up a time to talk, unless the matter is extremely urgent. If the team is short-staffed and your manager is trying to help everyone manage the extra work, wait until things slow down.
Also think about what time of day is best for the discussion. If your manager needs a cup of coffee to get going in the morning, don't schedule something for 9 a.m.
Carefully frame your feedback.
Often it's not what you say but how you say it. Your aim shouldn't be to point fingers or complain about what you perceive to be your boss's failings. Instead, present the situation in a neutral tone, explain what the impact has been on you or the team and offer possible solutions.
Often it's not what you say but how you say it. Your aim shouldn't be to point fingers or complain about what you perceive to be your boss's failings. Instead, present the situation in a neutral tone, explain what the impact has been on you or the team and offer possible solutions.
Have
a plan in place if the conversation turns sticky. Your supervisor might
not see things the same way you do or may bring up issues you hadn't
considered, such as your own role in the situation.
If you sense
the discussion is rapidly deteriorating, stop. You may need to back off
and accept that you've lost the fight. You don't want to press an issue
to the point where you damage your relationship with your boss.
Offer a helping hand.
If your manager is missing deadlines or you find it difficult to get approvals or feedback, it could be a sign that your boss has too much on his plate. You might consider asking if there's anything you can do to lighten the load and make things easier for your supervisor. Not only can this simple step help alleviate the frustration you're experiencing, but your manager will likely appreciate your offer of assistance.
If your manager is missing deadlines or you find it difficult to get approvals or feedback, it could be a sign that your boss has too much on his plate. You might consider asking if there's anything you can do to lighten the load and make things easier for your supervisor. Not only can this simple step help alleviate the frustration you're experiencing, but your manager will likely appreciate your offer of assistance.
Explore other avenues.
The simple truth is not every boss will be open to critique from the team. If you're uncomfortable bringing an issue to your manager's attention, look for other ways to voice your concerns, such as performance reviews or employee surveys. Just stick to the official channels rather than the office rumor mill. You're much more likely to be heard, and you can be sure your reputation won't suffer.
The simple truth is not every boss will be open to critique from the team. If you're uncomfortable bringing an issue to your manager's attention, look for other ways to voice your concerns, such as performance reviews or employee surveys. Just stick to the official channels rather than the office rumor mill. You're much more likely to be heard, and you can be sure your reputation won't suffer.