What should you do when your manager is a bad communicator?

Communication is a great interpersonal skill to have. We spend most of our times in our offices, and when it comes to official communication we expect that our boss gives sufficient attention to us. The significance attached to communication at the senior level cannot be underestimated. In fact, the identity of the organization also depends on a communicating and proactive boss. We would be doing a great task and would want our boss to encourage us. For those who think that encouragement and motivation are only for children, then think twice. Every one of us needs some sort of drive to work and we get that also through an encouraging boss. Do you like a boss who is matter-of-act, answers only to the point (sometimes being curt), doesn’t share any official information, and is being indifferent towards your progress? Then here is how you can handle such situations:

You take the initiative to communicate

We have a wrong notion that it is not good to ask questions to your boss who is not active enough in reaching out to you. We may be given advice, “Why you are unnecessarily sending e-mails and texts? Let them come back”. But the problem is you are the one who cannot tolerate a non-communicating boss. Hence it is better to take the initiative to ask your manager about your work objectives and the tasks that are to be completed. But ensure that you don’t bombard them with emails and texts such that they get frustrated with you.

Express your concern genuinely

Think about this. Just because your boss doesn’t communicate well, will you leave a coveted job? But the problem is you may be tempted to do so. In order to solve this problem, you have to clearly articulate to your boss that you need to be updated with the daily routines in a clear manner. In some cases, the boss will give the objectives at the outset itself. But you may not know how to meet the expectations. Some of you may even ask the specifications of the project that you are handling. This is indeed a good sign. Instead of assuming things and doing things wrongly, it is always better to communicate your problem to your boss straightforward.

Find out what is the reason for the non-communication

Sometimes it may so happen that the boss may communicate well with other people but not with you. You just take a gentle introspection and try to understand what the reason is. If they are not communicating well with everyone, then you can follow any of the above points and try to help them. Also, try to address  this question:Are they not communicating effectively with everyone?

Your boss may think that every employee should know everything

In some other instances, the bosses’ indifference may stem out from the fact that they wrongly judge your knowledge. They think that the employees should know everything and need not be pampered. They also think that the conversation should be up to the point. If you have the mentality to accept your boss even though he/she doesn’t communicate with you as far as you do your work well then it’s all fine. Otherwise, you can request for a regular status meetings so that you know your progress.

Bosses who only communicate what they want

This is in continuation with the previous point. There are some bosses who communicate only what they like to and don’t answer your questions even if you take the initiative to ask them. In such cases, you will be in a dilemma how to interact with them. You may think how to put forth this concern to them. However, remember that instead of venting your frustration about this boss’ non-communication to another boss, it is always better to act wisely. Rather than telling the other manager that you are finding this boss ineffective in communication, you can just straightaway tell your problem. It is not a good sign if you complain about your boss to another boss.

The key is not playing the blame game. There should be a culture of understanding in the company and you should try your best to maintain a good relationship with your boss. In cases where constant communication is not needed, then you can carry out your work diligently. If communication is indeed necessary for you to work effectively, then you can definitely follow the above points with care.

 

To wrap up

Be honest

Let your boss know your concern

Set your priorities

And also be clear in your concern

Don’t play the blame game

Address your concern carefully

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