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7 Smart Steps To Communicate Better With Your Boss

Tips For Talking With Your Superiors

One of the most stressful things you may encounter is preparing to talk to your boss. It could be about a job evaluation, promotion, raise, co-worker concerns, or any number of things. Whether your boss is a tyrant or is lax, fearing a confrontation with your superiors is natural.

Perhaps, you are concerned that your boss will think less of you or consider you as selfish or greedy. Maybe you see the whole scenario as an evaluation of your worth at work. The fact remains, though, that you will be more likely to get what you want if you let your boss know what you want. Learn how to communicate effectively with your boss by following these tips!

1Lay Out The Points You Want To Discuss

Write down the most important points of the topic or concern you wish to address. If it's a raise, lay out why you feel you deserve it in clear-cut examples. The best way you can effectively remember and discuss these points is with a list. When you are sitting across the desk from your boss, and your nerves are in high gear, your list is the backup of your most important points so that the meeting is not futile.

2Schedule The Meeting Properly

Whether you work in a laid-back small office or a by-the-book corporate environment, making an appointment will show your boss that it's important. They will know that you mean business before you even meet with them and will hopefully be prepared with full attention. You can arrange the meeting ahead with your boss's assistant or by directly sending your boss an email.

3Maintain Eye Contact While Talking

Always keep eye contact with your boss and lean into the conversation. Doing so shows that you are confident and sincere. It shows, without egotism, that you are aware of your importance to the company and also that you know what you deserve.

4Keep Your Talk Professional

You may be on a casual basis with your boss, but the reason for the meeting is to discuss a formal issue, and it's not to be casually dismissed. Be serious from beginning to end. Even though you may be on good terms with your boss, they are still your superior, with bosses and obligations of their own. Be aware that their priorities might not include your preferences, and they see your issue from a different perspective.

5Prepare Yourself For Any Answer

Just because you have good reasons to justify your point does not mean that you'll automatically receive the answer you desire. Perhaps you will, but maybe you won't. Be prepared for any possible response so that you are not caught unaware.

6Know Your Limits

It's also important to know that your boss may want to give you some of what you ask. Be prepared for a compromise; recognize what you will and will not accept beforehand. If it's a raise, for example, stake your limit at a certain percentage. If you believe that your boss is one to compromise anyway, then ask for a higher amount than you will accept. Knowing your limitations before you go in will limit your surprise as well as keep you in charge by being prepared.

7Be Ready To Take Action

If you find yourself in the last straw situation in which you will only accept a certain amount, a particular action, or a specific result, be prepared to follow through if your boss doesn't agree to your terms. For example, if the response will keep you stagnant in your career or will affect other areas of your work, take decisive action. It may mean that it's time to look for a new job if the topic means that much to you.

Knowing how to best communicate with your boss will enable you to get more of what you want. When you follow these tips, you can prepare yourself as well as manage your stress level during the meeting. By reducing your stress, you will be able to have an open and honest discussion, and hopefully, you'll enjoy the end result!



About Author

Jackie Wing

Jackie Wing is an Alaska native, who enjoys snowboarding more than is probably socially acceptable. She lives in Anchorage with her two dogs Reese and Peanut, or as she likes to call them "Thing 1" and "Thing 2."