This archive report was first published on 10 January 2020.
Dealing with a boss who consistently ignores your suggestions can be a challenging and frustrating experience. It's essential to understand that your boss plays a crucial role in your career, not only by assigning you with challenging work but also by guiding, mentoring, and providing the necessary resources.
Published on January 10, 2020, this article offers some valuable suggestions on how to improve your relationship with your boss.
Firstly, it's essential to establish the root cause of your boss's behavior. If you're dealing with a new boss, it's crucial to understand their preferred work style and adapt to it until they can trust and listen to your suggestions.
For instance, if your boss prefers short written project briefs over verbal updates, it's essential to change your style and conform. Similarly, if your boss prefers contributions backed by research and data, it's best to present scenarios that are practical and feasible.
On the other hand, if you're dealing with a boss whose style has changed suddenly, and you're the only one experiencing this backlash, it's essential to examine what has changed in the way you relate to them.
Check that you're still a good team player, delivering your targets with integrity and not undermining your boss in any way. If you're still unsure, don't be afraid to share your concerns with your peers and ask for their suggestions on how to make things better.
One way to approach this is to say, 'I notice that your ideas get better buy than mine. How do you get the boss to listen and support you? I could use some help as I feel she is not so open to my suggestions.'
If your boss still doesn't acknowledge your perception, try again with a specific example of a recent incident that left you feeling alienated. You could say, 'I thought today's meeting went well, but due to time constraints, I did not get an opportunity to share some of the ideas I had …' then go for it and be precise and clear.
Of course, if there was no time constraint, look for another suitable and genuine reason. The point is if your boss feels you're attacking them, they will dismiss your suggestions altogether and make the relationship worse.
