``BOY ! I wish my boss had an eye less and one ear more!' exclaimed my sister.
I admit I was rather intrigued. It was her second week at work, and already her initial enthusiasm had begun to fray somewhat at the edges. Perhaps, she required some sisterly advice. `What has the poor fellow done to be cursed thus?' I enquired.
` I am not cursing him, silly! What I meant was I wished he would be less critical and more receptive of my ideas and suggestions, and answer some very important questions about my work that are troubling me no end. I could go stand on the rooftop and wail like a banshee, and I'm sure he would request me to turn down the volume a bit!'
`Ah, the riddle of the deaf boss.' I exclaimed in a voice, which I hoped sounded like Hercule Poirot. `You perhaps, my dear, require a hearing aid to set things right.' My sister was incredulous. `What! You mean my boss, don't you?'
`No, my dear, I meant you. Everyone with a boss sometimes experiences frustration in getting the boss to listen. You need to find ways to approach the boss so the chances of getting through are improved.'
It was my sister's turn to be intrigued. `How is that?'
Here's how.
The key to getting heard is to first understand your organisation, your boss and the specific issue that you wish to address. The boss is more likely to listen to you if he perceives you as knowledgeable, committed to organisational goals and unprejudiced in your opinions. So get your image right, first.
The boss probably listens only to what he wants to hear and will be willing to lend an ear if he considers your ideas beneficial to himself, the organisation and perhaps, to a much lesser extent, to you. So find out what is really driving the boss mad. Address issues that are really `his' issues. Impress by helping him find solutions to his main concerns. Look for clues by listening keenly to what your boss says - to you, to others and at meetings. Learn to read between the lines.
Perfect your timing. It is not a good idea in this case to drop a bombshell right before the gun battle. Take note of the time of the day, day of the week and the work-schedule of your boss before approaching him. If, for example, you have a suggestion for a new project, don't walk in with the project all mapped out and references in files and files in hand just before your boss is getting ready for a key meeting for finalising the project. A better tactic would be to approach him a week or two earlier, so that the project gets enough attention and could still be useful for the meeting.
Don't whine. Banshee wailing is for the opera. Phrase the question/issue diplomatically and present a balanced argument to increase your credibility. Don't get upset and start complaining if your ideas/ suggestions meet with resistance.
If your boss does not react favourably to what you have to say, it would be wise to put the matter on hold and come back at a later time. Never argue ceaselessly. If you do, you would only raise his hackles and perhaps even your good suggestions will be shunted aside. If you are wary of speaking directly to your boss, try bouncing your ideas off somebody who can sound them out on your behalf. That way, any flaws in your ideas could be weeded out well before the final showdown.
Don't make an issue if your boss fails to give you due credit for your ideas. It will only choke off any future opportunities to contribute. If you are consistently good and reliable, he will learn to trust you and perhaps somewhere down the line reward you with increased responsibility.
Finally, if your suggestion or request is rejected outright, don't take it personally or get emotional. Remember, you can only suggest; the right of choice rests with your boss.
BINDU SRIDHAR
faqs@cnkonlince.com
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