Diplomatic route to approach boss about reducing work-load?
Question:
The situation is that my boss tends to load all of his staff with projects - each taking precedence over prior projects. So I work on what now is important first and therefore put aside any previous tasks (that is, until I'm asked about where things stand with the earlier assignments).
Sure, I can carry the ball for the boss; however, I can't juggle 26 balls consecutively. I have other strengths including being a responsible, trustworthy, capable and creative employee who (for the most part) likes his job. I would far prefer less projects piled on my desk and would very likely get far more done.
But how do I explain this to the boss? I'd really prefer not to burn any bridges here.
Answer:
Sounds like you can't say no! That's normal, by the way. But what you need to be able to do is keep stats on the projects that you are working on and take these to your boss and ask him to help you prioritize the projects. This may show him how much he is loading on you and that his expectations are unrealistic. (or not!) But it's your responsibility if you really can't get everything taken care of that he is giving you, not whining, but giving facts about the projects and getting him to help prioritize so his expectations of your performance on all these projects are realistic. You may also want to talk to some of your peers to see how they handle all their projects. Are they really in the same position you are or do you need to learn some project management skills to make you more effective? Many of our clients face the same situation you do. You are not alone!
There is a trend towards this "multi-tasking" which is dangerous for our productivity. The Wall Street Journal did an article some years ago (2002) about how dumb that is.
Remember the first rule of communication: Never what you say; what do others hear? When you speak to your boss, you need to speak in the language that THE BOSS hears. What he cares about is money and credit for saving it. You will likely need to develop the details that he should do but cannot, then calmly present to him the evidence that doing it THIS way will increase productivity and save money, or make more money. Then let him get the credit. Sometimes the subordinates need to do their boss's work for him. That's life.
More Questions & Answers...