Need to discuss a touchy subject with your boss?

Ask yourself these three questions before proceeding

Let’s face it- Even if we have a positive work environment and a good rapport with our bosses, there will be times when difficult conversations need to take place. If you find yourself with an issue that you feel needs to be brought to your supervisor’s attention, it’s critical that you put thought and time into preparing for the discussion. Here are three questions to ask yourself before you approach your boss with a touchy subject.

Is it worth it?

Does the situation actually warrant a full discussion? Sometimes when we are frustrated or bothered by something we react quickly and don’t stop to consider the gravity of the situation. Give yourself a little time to think things over and then decide whether you can’t solve the issue on your own before you bring it up to your superiors. Remember, your boss is busy and often has a lot of balls in the air. If they feel that you are in any way wasting their time with your problem, they will potentially feel you lack the ability to problem solve independently.

Who else does it involve?

Are you planning to approach your boss about another coworker? If so, be very careful you don’t come across as a tattletale. Managers want to feel like their employees are responsible and mature, therefore do your best to resolve any conflicts directly with your colleagues before taking the issue to your boss. If you cannot come to an agreement, then present your boss with the issue. At least then they will know you did everything you could on your own before coming to them.

What is your objective?

Do you have a plan for how to move forward? Before sitting down with your supervisor have a goal in mind for how you see things improving. Presenting a solution to your boss, or even suggestions for positive change, will always be more meaningful to them then just sharing a problem. Lay out the issue in a professional manner, discuss how you feel things could progress, then take any feedback that you are given. Even if things don’t turn out exactly how you thought they would, at least you handled the situation professionally.

Wendy Moody

Wendy Moody

Wendy Moody is a Senior Editor with CUInsight.com. Wendy works with the editorial team to help edit the content including current news, press releases, jobs and events. She keeps ... Web: www.cuinsight.com Details