Navigating Effective Communication with Managers with Poor Communication Skills

Effective communication is a cornerstone of any successful professional relationship, especially when dealing with managers or bosses who may struggle with communication. Managing these interactions requires a strategic approach and a blend of patience, organization, and assertiveness. Here, we explore practical strategies to enhance your interaction, ensuring clarity and understanding, and defending your work when necessary.

Strategies for Clear Instructions and Clarity

When communicating with a manager who has poor communication skills, it becomes imperative to find alternatives that guarantee the understanding of tasks and expectations. One of the most effective methods is to make instructions as clear as possible, often by putting them in writing. Encourage your manager to provide written instructions or summaries of discussions to ensure there is no misinterpretation.

Tip: Get them to put instructions in writing and/or repeat what you believe they want. This gives them an opportunity to clarify anything and ensures both parties are aligned.

Similarly, you should also communicate to your manager in writing, asking for clarifications and ensuring that your messages are clear. This not only helps in reducing ambiguities but also acts as an informational record that can be referred to later, should any disputes arise.

Tip: Put your daily tasks in writing and ask your manager if they have any questions to ensure you both understand tasks similarly.

Regular Updates and Reinforcement

Frequent communication is not just about sending emails or memos. It is a process that requires consistent feedback and reinforcement. To keep your manager informed about your work progress, it is essential to keep reminding them of your ongoing projects and the steps you are taking to address them.

Tip: Repeat the same information multiple times and remind your manager of your progress daily. This ensures that they remain up to date and engaged with your work.

On the other hand, when receiving assignments, force your manager to repeat instructions several times. Try to ask for clarifications on their tasks to make sure you fully understand the requirements. This approach not only improves your understanding but also reinforces the instructions in their mind, reducing the likelihood of errors.

Documentation and Accountability

Keeping a record of your interactions can be incredibly beneficial. After each one-on-one meeting, make a note of what was discussed, and maintain a file of these documents. In the event of a dispute or confusion, these records can serve as a reference point, helping you hold managers accountable to their promises and expectations.

Tip: After every meeting, write down notes detailing the discussion to aid in future reference and to hold managers accountable.

Patience and Positive Attitude

Lastly, while all of these strategies can be practiced, it is important to acknowledge that dealing with such situations can be challenging. Maintaining patience and a positive attitude not only helps in the present but also enhances your overall effectiveness in these interactions.

Tip: Start conversations with motivational thoughts and positive statements, turning negative situations into opportunities for growth and positivity.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges, effective communication is still possible, even with managers who have poor communication skills. By employing these strategies, you can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your interactions, ensure that your work is understood and appreciated, and document every step of the process. With a little patience and a strong commitment to clear communication, you can navigate even the most difficult management relationships.