What do you do if your boss's communication skills are lacking and their instructions are unclear?
Navigating a workplace where your boss's communication skills are not up to par can be challenging. When instructions are unclear, it might leave you feeling uncertain and frustrated. However, there are strategies you can employ to improve the situation. Understanding how to approach this delicate issue requires tact, patience, and a proactive mindset. The goal is to foster better communication without overstepping boundaries or causing tension in your professional relationship.
When you're given unclear instructions, the first step is to seek clarification. Approach your boss politely and express your desire to understand their expectations fully. Be specific about what you need clarity on, and ask open-ended questions that encourage a detailed response. This not only shows your commitment to the task but also gives your boss the opportunity to elaborate. Remember, it's better to spend a few minutes clarifying than hours on incorrect work.
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Maverick Chia
Data and Digital Transformation Analyst - Global LNG Trading (Projects & Trading at Shell Eastern Trading (Pte) Ltd)
Communication is key. Sometimes our boss may have summarized too much leaving out some critical context on how a certain decision came upon. Seeking clarification to find out more not just shows you have been listening but also interested in the topic. However, if the topic is a sensitive one then find the right timing and make sure you are calm and compose.
Establishing an open dialogue with your boss about communication issues is vital. Discuss your concerns respectfully and suggest ways to improve the clarity of instructions moving forward. Perhaps a weekly check-in meeting or a shared document for project details could help. It's important to frame this conversation positively, focusing on how better communication can benefit the team's efficiency and success.
Creating a feedback loop can be instrumental in improving communication. After completing a task, ask for feedback on your work and the clarity of the instructions you received. This not only helps you improve but also subtly prompts your boss to reflect on their communication style. Over time, this can lead to more precise instructions as your boss becomes more aware of the need for clarity.
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Maverick Chia
Data and Digital Transformation Analyst - Global LNG Trading (Projects & Trading at Shell Eastern Trading (Pte) Ltd)
This can be a form of giving an update to a list of items. Each time a task has been completed, send a quick update email to your boss indicating 1)What has been completed; how it was done briefly if you prefer. 2)What are the outstanding and expected duration to complete? 3)Any other key updates. Careful not to input too many items which will make it too long-winded.
Documenting requests and instructions is a practical step to avoid confusion. Whenever you receive verbal instructions, follow up with an email summarizing the key points and ask for confirmation. This written record serves as a reference for both you and your boss, ensuring that you have understood the task correctly and have something to refer back to if necessary.
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Maverick Chia
Data and Digital Transformation Analyst - Global LNG Trading (Projects & Trading at Shell Eastern Trading (Pte) Ltd)
Yes, this action acts as a recap of your verbal discussion and future reference. Bosses are also humans, they may not be able to remember so many verbal agreements or discussions. It also helps to provide a mutual alignment that you and your boss are on the same page. Therefore, do not be shy or worry if you find this too "calculative". You may be doing your boss a BIG favour!
Building a support network within your workplace can provide additional perspectives and advice. Colleagues who have worked with your boss longer might have insights into their communication style and preferences. They can offer strategies that have worked for them or even help interpret instructions. Remember, you're not alone in this, and a problem shared can be a problem halved.
Lastly, consider the role of professional development in enhancing communication. If the opportunity arises, recommend training sessions or workshops that focus on communication skills for the whole team. This is a non-confrontational way to address the issue and improve everyone's skill set, including your boss's. Plus, it demonstrates your initiative in seeking solutions that benefit the entire team.
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