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One way to communicate work issues to your manager or boss might be to use so-called ‘positive bookeneds.’ "'I really enjoy my job, but there’s something that set me back a bit recently.' Enter: your beef. Wrap with: 'Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to me… I very much appreciate your efforts in trying to work better together,'" Lynn gave us an example of how this works.
She also urged employees to use positive and negative reinforcement when dealing with superiors, as well as using the ‘CALM’ approach: communicate clearly, anticipate problems, use levity and humor tactfully, and manage ‘up’ by being a problem solver who also speaks reason and sets boundaries.
Workplace expert Lynn also gave some advice on what to do if your boss wants you to work overtime, constantly.
“For example, if your supervisor says you need to do A, B, and C by tomorrow, diplomatically explain that it will hurt all projects to get them done the next day because (then explain very briefly what’s involved or the potential negative outcomes). Then explain the positives of an alternative approach, such as, 'If I focus on 'project A' today, we will likely land the Smith account.'"
"As I describe in my book, 'Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant,' this is similar to telling 'Johnny' he can’t go to the zoo, a play date and for pizza all in the same day, e.g., he will be sad, because he won’t have fun at any of them. 'Which one do you really want to have fun doing, Johnny?'