How to correct the boss – Photo: leaderonomics.com
So the boss got the wrong report and is going on a tangent about a project that has nothing to do with the topic at hand…Even worse, his fly is down, and no one will utter a word during the meeting. How in the world do you muster the courage to correct your boss, and tell him what’s really going on?
Correcting the boss is nothing short of tricky. After all, we’ re talking about telling your manager his or her decisions are faulty, or flat-out they have no idea what they’re talking about. And it does happen more often than we think…
As employees, especially as women, we often like to err on the side of the “politically correct”. And that includes very often refraining from pointing out to the boss his toupet is sideways, or her lipstick is all over her teeth. Or that they pulled the wrong presentation for the monthly department’s meeting…
Yet, what that also means is we are letting them walk around with lipstick on their teeth and their fly wide open. Mistakes are human, and not pointing them out to the offender…not so much! As awkward as it may initially be, honesty is still the best policy:
1. Don’t remain silent! The last thing you’d want is for your boss to realize you were aware and did not say a thing! Depending on your manager’s personality, gage the best way to approach them and have them fix their faux-pas!
2. Keep it politically correct! Remember it’s still work, and you’re still reporting to that person! Keep your approach professional and politically correct! Offer to switch the presentation for them, quietly (and privately) mention a trip to the bathroom, but whatever you do, remain professional!
3. Now move on! People don’t like to be reminded of their mistakes, they can do that on their own! After you’ve (professionally) corrected your boss, move on and don’t bring it up again! Better yet, act as if it never happened…Back to business!
Have you ever had to correct your boss? How did you go about it?
The Corporate Sis.
