How to Talk to Your Boss About Your Job

Good preparation can make it easier to talk with your boss about sensitive subjects.

From time to time, you may need to talk with your boss about your job. Maybe you are seeking a promotion, or maybe you are unhappy with your current situation. Approaching your supervisor tactfully and carefully will help keep him from becoming defensive. Prepare well for any conversation with your boss, and you will stand a better chance of achieving your goals.

Instructions

1. Think carefully about what you are going to say, and how you are going to phrase your sentences. Be sure not to use words or phrases that can be misconstrued as aggressive or antagonistic.

2. Rehearse your conversation with a friend before you speak to your boss. It will allow you to practice using the correct tone and pitch of your voice so as not to sound accusatory. It will also prepare you for any possible comebacks from your boss.

3. Request that you speak to your boss in private, and always face-to-face. An email conversation is not a good way to discuss a delicate matter. Written words can easily be misread or misinterpreted.

4. Meet in a neutral area, such as a private meeting room or a restaurant. This will help your boss be less defensive and more open to your opinions and suggestions.

5. Be prepared to receive a disappointing or negative answer from your boss. No matter how well you prepare, there is a chance that you may not achieve what you want. Make sure that you always act with dignity and integrity.

Tips & Warnings

• Be open and honest in all that you say. Your boss will appreciate this.

• Take care not to use aggressive body language.

• Time your meeting wisely: if your boss is stressed or under pressure, he will be less likely to be receptive.

References

• Crucial Skills: Crucial Conversations with a Strict Boss
• Simon Stapleton: What Should You Do If Your Boss Hates You?