How to Answer a Boss's Tough Questions

All kinds of workers can end up in the annoying situation of dealing with a prying boss. People with high levels of personal discretion can resent having to answer a variety of questions. Whether it's related to your work performance, your love or social life, or your ambitions, here are some ways to deflect excessive questioning from someone holding the keys to your income.

Instructions

1. Get good at setting boundaries. A lot of guarding against questioning is to cultivate a good balance of confidence and approachability. It helps to think about the situation while at home and come up with areas for free discussion and others marked for "change of topic." Body language and daily choices can change how many questions you are getting from a boss.

2. Be proactive. Another way to prevent questions in the first place is to be on top of your game. This is twofold: in the first place, excel at your job and communicate well about things that are in the public domain. Secondly, it helps to explain your off-duty life to co-workers and bosses in a way you're comfortable with, then drop the subject. This will make others hesitant to ask you further questions on topics that have already been covered.

3. Leave your private life at the door. If you don't want to answer questions about something, don't let it interfere with your work life. Don't talk about sensitive topics on the phone while at work, in office emails, or while leaving for the day. Don't leave hints of your private life around the workplace unless you're okay with sharing more.

4. Turn answers into stories. One tactic of skilled communicators is to use a person's words in the way you want to. In response to questions, start with a semi-relevant response, then continue, turning the theme to someone or something else. This often works in many different situations.

5. Make it clear you're not rising to the bait. If your boss is being excessively questioning, it could be the he is trying to test you or get into a confrontation. Instead of getting angry or defensive, answer calmly, away from the issue, and with a grin.