Communication

Hello Sharron,

Hope you enjoyed your time Management course with BEST Training.
Thank you for your question regarding communication.

The ay you approach your manager is important. You will know their personality and style best, so make sure you take this into account.

Ask to speak to your manager for a few minutes, in an area separate to your normal work place. Offer to make a cup of tea or something, and have a chat in a neutral area.

Make sure you have a plan as to what you will and wont talk about. You have control over that at least.
Bring up the subject in a light and simple way, without getting caught in the details.

You might start with something like
"would you be willing to help me with something regarding my work?"

I notice that we have several last minute projects...."

Share some of your concerns about what is happening, without making them wrong in any way. Keep it light and non-personal.

If you can see the impact that it has on the way you work or the organisation, then you might share that too.

Be open to their responses, and listen to how they receive your information. See if they are open or closed to what you are speaking about.
If you notice they are closed, then maybe this is not the right time. You may need to leave it for a time that they are more open to your questions or suggestions.

Some additonal throughts on handling sensitive issues.

Candor and directness are admirable qualities but sometimes tact works more effectively. If the issue is sensitive and can lead to confrontation tread a bit carefully. Use the following three diplomatic techniques especially if the issue is raised at your workplace:-

1.
Lower your voice and control your tone
Its true hostility can be conveyed in a whisper but that's less likely if you control/ soften your tone of voice.

2.
Cushion the impact of criticism with expressions like "maybe" and "we might consider"- Such expressions can prompt an open response. For example-

"Maybe we can approach it another way" sounds much better.

3.
Use the passive voice to focus on the issue not the individual-

Instead of :- You designed the concept to