Sharing concerns with your manager at work can be intimidating, but you may need to talk about a difficult project, challenging co-worker, mistake you made, personal problem or other issue. Learn how to share workplace concerns with management in a way that ensures you are heard and doesn’t jeopardize your job.
Consider solutions not just the problem.
Would you like to change an unfair policy, correct a mistake you made or address the annoying personality of a co-worker? In addition to sharing your concern, offer solutions that improve the company and show that you’re a team player.
Prepare yourself.
Before your meeting, write down what you want to say. You can even prepare a cheat sheet to reference during your meeting if necessary.
Time the conversation wisely.
Instead of squeezing in a conversation before a meeting, at the end of the day or when your boss is walking out the door for the weekend, make an appointment. You’ll have your boss’s full attention and improve your chances of getting the issue resolved. Also, if possible, choose a time of day when you both are fresh and able to think clearly and calmly.
Maintain Professionalism
Even if the situation is emotional, do your best to remain professional, focus on facts, stay objective and avoid name calling or blaming others. Take time to calm down and remain non-confrontational and purposeful. Avoid losing your temper, crying, cursing or making personal accusations. You’re there to improve the situation, not throw a fit.
See managers as allies.
While the management team has the authority on the job site, they are also your allies. They want you and the team to succeed, which means they need to hear your concerns, so don’t be afraid to approach them.
Ask the offender to join your meeting.
When you need to discuss a problem with a co-worker or boss, consider asking the person to join your meeting. This way, you can air your grievances in a professional manner with your boss as the mediator and work together to find a mutually satisfying solution.
Be willing to compromise.
You may want to see the situation resolved to your advantage, but be prepared to compromise for the good of the company, its future and your own self development. Remember to look at the situation from your boss’s point of view, too. You may need to accept responsibility for any mistakes you made or agree to make changes in the future so the company will succeed.
Sharing concerns with management is intimidating, but you owe it to yourself and your company to speak up. Use these seven tips to help you successfully share workplace concerns with management.
