How to Tell Your Boss You Are Overwhelmed

Communicate with your manager to manage your workload.

It is all too easy to get bombarded with different jobs while working for a company. Multitasking can be a difficult thing to do if it seems like there are a million different tasks on your desk that need to be completed at the same time. The most effective way to manage the situation without losing the respect of your boss is to examine the list, prioritize and communicate. Communicating with your boss will help you build a more effective and trusting working relationship. Do not wait until you start to miss deadlines before addressing the issue of being overwhelmed.

Instructions

1. Examine your workload carefully. Prioritize your list of tasks in order of importance and deadline dates. Ask yourself if it is realistic to complete all of the tasks by the given deadlines. Record your priority list in a presentable format.

2. Ask your boss if you can have a meeting with him or her to discuss your workload.

3. Review your priority list with your boss and ask him for his opinion. Reach agreement on the priority order and ask him if he has any suggestions. Be honest, but present the fact that you are feeling overwhelmed in a way that shows you are being proactive in doing something about it as you take pride in your work and want to meet deadlines. Never appear as if you are complaining. Your boss may have suggestions to help you improve your time management skills or help you delegate some of the work to a colleague. Taking this approach will demonstrate to your boss that you value his opinion and respect him enough to communicate your concerns effectively while being proactive.

4. Tackle each task on the list one at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed again.

5. Remind your boss of your priority list if he gives you more work before you have completed the last batch. Ask him to suggest where the new work fits into your priority list. There may be a way to fit it into your current work without completely swamping you again, if your time is managed effectively. Or he may see that it is not possible and delegate that or another task to one of your colleagues instead. Thank your boss for helping you prioritize your workload so that you can be more productive.

Tips & Warnings

• Effective communication is the way to build rapport and trust in any working relationship. Present problems with solutions and show your appreciation for support. Feedback is important and helpful.

References

• Hodu: Learn How To Manage Your Manager
• Business Knowledge: Overwhelmed With Work
• Best Interview Strategies: When and How to Say I can't Do That