Northwest Staffing Blog

Many employees are afraid to voice frustrations with their bosses. As a result, they say nothing, letting the negative feelings pile up until they explode or quit. But by being pro-active and communicating openly with your boss, you’ll build a stronger, more mutually respectful relationship.

Here are some tips for effective communication:

Talk to your boss directly.
If your boss isn’t the owner of the company or the top manager, don’t seek out his or her manager. Even though you want to avoid confrontation, going around your boss will only create animosity. So give your boss a chance to solve the problem first.

Don’t talk to your boss when you’re angry.
It’s never a good idea to have important conversations when you are emotional or angry. So let the dust settle for a day or two before approaching your boss. You’ll be more clear-headed and reasonable, rather than accusing and judgmental – which will lead to better results.

Don’t storm out or threaten to quit.
Even though it can be tempting in the heat of the moment, your boss just may take you up on your offer to quit – even if you just said it out of anger. So don’t make a foolish threat you will regret or that makes you look unprofessional. Simply tell your boss that it would be best if you both cooled off and walk away.

Realize that some blame probably rests on your shoulders.
With most conflicts involving the boss and an employee, both parties are usually somewhat to blame. Therefore, talk with someone who can offer you some objective advice before meeting with your boss, like a colleague or friend. They may be able to offer you a fresh perspective for looking at the issue, which can lead to more positive results.

Don’t talk badly about your boss to co-workers.
Bad mouthing your boss is never a good idea – and it can be something that comes back to bite you. If you have an issue with your boss, take it to him or her directly. Don’t lower yourself to gossiping and trash-talking.

Regardless of whether you’re a business owner in Everett, a manager in Seattle, an employee in Edmonds, or a job candidate in Mill Creek, effective communication skills are essential for your success. If your communication skills need a little work, don’t despair. Good communicators can be created as well as born.

Here are a few tips to get you started.

• Even if someone lashes out at you, don’t take their anger personally. They may simply be stressed out and taking it out on you.

• It’s ok if you don’t have all the answers. If someone asks you a question that you don’t know the answer to, tell them you’ll have to find out and follow up with them.

• People don’t necessarily care whether you agree with them or not; they simply want to be heard. So, to show that you’re listening, respond with a statement like: “Tell me more about your concern.”

• What someone else says and what we hear can be two different things. Our own filters, assumptions, and beliefs can distort what we hear. So be sure to repeat back or summarize what you think the person just said to ensure everyone’s on the same page.

• Acknowledge frustration or inconvenience and offer a timeline, particularly if you need someone else’s cooperation or your activities will have an impact on them. Also, be sure to tell them how what you’re doing will benefit them.

• Even though it’s hard, don’t offer advice unless you’re asked.

• Look for common ground instead of focusing solely on differences.

• Most people (including you) have a self-serving agenda. This isn’t a bad thing because it helps us achieve our goals. However, don’t assume that someone else has the same agenda as you.

• Become a better listener. Most people think they’re good listeners; however, they’re usually thinking about what they’re going to say next when someone else is talking. Gooding listening means clearing your mind of distractions and asking pertinent questions.