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What does my communication style have to do with it?

Home » Human Resources » Dealing with Difficult People: Your Boss » What does my communication style have to do with it?

When addressing your boss, the best approach is to use

�I�

language. For example,

�you�

language would be:

�You never tell me anything that�s going on. You leave me out of the loop, and you�re making my job impossible to complete.�

A better option, using �

I�

language, is to say:

�I feel out of the loop, and really wish I knew more about what�s going on here. Could you please help me figure out a way to get information to me on a more timely basis so I can do my job better?�

Another tip: Using absolutes doesn�t win any points when talking to anyone, especially your boss. Absolute words include: always, never, everything, nothing, every time, never, and so on.

You may not want to hear what your boss has to say�you�ve probably heard plenty�but to make the conversation work, it has to be two-sided. Give your boss a chance to respond to your comments, and truly listen to everything he or she has to say.

Different people have different communication styles. It�s a good idea, no matter what your situation, to determine your boss�s style�then work on matching his or her style when you communicate. For example, if your boss needs time to process ideas before giving his approval, then try e-mailing your idea first, then following up with an in-person meeting. Or if short and brusque is his style, talk quick and get to the point.

Next Page: What makes a co-worker so difficult?

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