How to give feedback to boss?

Anonymous

June 17,2022 at 8:26AM UTC

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How to give feedback to boss?

Recently we have a new boss, he's aggressive and ambitious, likes to get things done quicker, even we still have plenty of time. We want him to be considerate and reduce ad hoc requests.

What would be the best way to let him know our feedback without upsetting him?

Thanks!

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AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 11:31AM UTC
Tie is requests to loss of productivity, loss of staff (if anyone has quit because of these requests), tie the additional requests to the use of time reduced for improvement and other potential benefits.
If you can't show negative impact in some way, all he will see is improved productivity and he will be convinced of the need to step things up.
AnonymousJune 20,2022 at 4:28AM UTC
thank you, I'm positive on giving him feedback, at least I give a try
Nicole DupuisJune 17,2022 at 11:32AM UTC
Giving feedback to your boss can be difficult but it’s so important for feedback to be a 2-way street. start the conversation with “I want to ensure I’m helping support you in the best way possible” and then ask the question “are you open to some feedback?” This makes it more of a dialogue then a lecture. when you finish your feedback, ask your boss to engage, “what are your thoughts?” Or “how does that all sound?” So again, it’s not a lecture but your boss has an opportunity to say something as well. Good luck!!
AnonymousJune 20,2022 at 4:21AM UTC
Thanks for this! Yes, he's open to receive feedback. I'll schedule a session with him later.
I will include some suggestion / proposal on how we can be more efficient and transparent as it is critical to business. One thing that annoyed me is his personal request (e.g. Mix with business trip and last min. change due to his personal plan). My role is primarily business focus, I want to make this clear, so as to manage expectation.
Nicole DupuisJune 21,2022 at 12:43AM UTC
No prob and I can understand last minute demands or pivot and change for his benefit can be frustrating. Laying out clear expectations will certainly help. Happy to help!!
Crystal HowellJune 17,2022 at 12:13PM UTC
I always ask, Do you think we can do it this way? The deadline is __________, By chance, we should be able to complete beforehand. Ask, smooth ego, see what happens.
Instead of direct group attack, would be whining, I ask questions to get my point across, so they think it's there idea. Even though, I know the answer.
His Ego is insecure securities as said by Quincy Jones.
AnonymousJune 20,2022 at 4:23AM UTC
Thanks for the suggestion, I start asking him whether it's final and no further changes (as we need to get management approval for some cases, prefer all in one go, no back and forth)
AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 12:48PM UTC
Start by asking for permission - "is it ok to provide feedback?" Then have a couple of very specific pieces of feedback and assure they are timely as in recent. For example, "When we were speaking yesterday, you stated XYZ. I noticed ABC. Im curious what is your perspective" Then listen. Be prepared for stating what you and the team are asking ("our ask is...) Lastly co-create a solution for moving forward. I try to assume good intent and, in this case with him being new, he is likely highly motivated to have positive impact quickly for the team and doesn't realize how it is landing. If he is a good leader, he will hear you out and work to adjust. hopefully part of the agreement is being open to feedback both directions. You got this!
AnonymousJune 20,2022 at 4:27AM UTC
I hope he's a good leader. My feedback to him is for long term as I want to work it out. The example you mentioned also happened on me, I'll ask him the way you suggested next time as I was so busy at that time, I didn't get a chance to clarify with him. I already listed some focus areas for improvement, simple and concise. :) thank you~
AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 1:53PM UTC
First, consider the flip side of the coin.
Did your former boss build a slower culture that your team has adapted to so that your new boss may seem fast and aggressive, but really, your team could have/should have been performing better? It's possible that your company got tired of the lagging pace and hired a go-getter to get things back on track to keep pace with other areas of the business? We don't always know what has happened behind the scenes for one boss to exit and another to come on board. That's usually by design. Always important to consider the other side first. Second, do not ask on behalf of the team. Ask and speak for yourself alone. You aren't the leader of a group. You aren't a union rep. It is literally not your job to speak for your team. A skilled boss is going to shut down "we need, we want.." and you will end up labeling yourself as a problem or as an instigator with any other approach than your personal concerns.
AnonymousJune 20,2022 at 4:31AM UTC
thanks! you're right, the former boss and my new boss are very different. My new boss is not as independent than my former boss, he has more requests and new ideas. We are trying to adapt to it. I'll raise my concerns on the way of working going forward, with some proposal, hopefully we can work it out in a long run :)