Is worth highlighting problems to the Boss?

This might sound like an obvious question, but I was wondering what you all though about the worth/value of highlighting problems to the boss.  We were having a talk a work, and it got me thinking.

I've read all the blurb about not being emotional and stating the facts in relation to why the problems are an issue for the company, BUT what would you do if you were constantly at a disadvantage?  I.e not knowing about meetings you are supposed to attend, having to create the same document twice because it's been deleted off the system by someone else, that sort of thing.  I know that we all face these sorts of problems - it comes with the job!

Do you think most bosses would just tell you to take a flying jump and get a new job rather than address the issues within the company?

I'm a bit intrigued!

[gee4]

No Dippa not at all, especially if like me, you work for a Director who reports to the CEO.

You are your boss's eyes and ears, you need to be kept informed and have information/tools available to do your job.  If you are facing obstacles then not only do you suffer, but your boss suffers too.

My opinion, speak up, because it will only get worse.

[msmarieh]

I would say that it very much depends on the problem and how much of the solution you can address without your boss's assistance.

For example, with the meeting notice. If you are talking about a regular meeting, you can ask the originator to add you to the cc list (I assume you are referring to a meeting that your boss is supposed to attend, not a meeting that you are supposed to attend). If they do that, no need to tell the boss, as the problem is solved. If the person won't add you, then you need to talk to your boss and advise them that you don't have the ability to correctly input meetings because you are being left off the distribution list, but go there with proposed solutions (such as: bossie requests to add you, bossie sets up a rule to forward those emails to you, bossie is responsible for adding or deleting those meetings from his own calendar, etc.).

On the other hand, sometimes by looking at a problem, you realize that it could indicate a larger more general program. The issue of someone else deleting files for example, might point to the need for some moderation of the folders where people have access and a system for preventing that from happening.

So my general advice would be:

• If it's a small problem that you can take care of without involving your boss, do so.
• If it's a large problem that you can take care of without involving your boss, do so, but advise the boss in writing of the problem and how you resolved it.
• If it's a large problem that you cannot take care of without involving your boss, involve your boss, but also have solutions and suggestions ready to offer for how to resolve the issue.

[peaches2160]

I agree with the previous posts from Gee and msmariah.  When I assumed my role, 4 years ago, I was set up to fail from the beginning.  My predecessor, although she had voluntarily retired, led my boss to believe she had trained me.  She left out ALOT of details.  There were also several people who were upset that I had been chosen for the role, either they wanted the job, or were direct reports and did not want me in the role supporting their boss because they knew what I am capable of. 
I charged forward, tackling obstacles every day.  I was given bad information and sabotaged, even to the extent that I was given bad information in preparing him for an executive meeting, which in turn made him look bad.  After that, he and I had a talk.  I remained calm and professional.  However, with all due respect, I let him know what information I was going from and that I did not know what I did not know.  I implemented an action list for he and I and scheduled one on one meetings weekly for review of the actions and what current issues were on his radar and mine.  It has kept us singing from the same page ever since.  I took the initiative and read subject matter books on my own.  I researched how to build a partnership with your boss.  In doing so, I found a few great reference books, one of which is reviewed on the book club list here.  Top of the list from eturtle.  When problems arise, I handle them and in some cases, will let my boss know in a message “FYI” or “Just wanted you to be aware”.  In that manner he is not blindsided if something additional should arise.  I do seek his guidance from time to time, and tell him, my thoughts or what I am recommending…….and ask him for his thoughts.  In that approach, you are collaborating, not just leaving it in your boss’s hands. 
From the beginning I prepared detailed travel agendas when he travels.  He told me I did not have to do that.  He had never had that previously.  However, I told him, you don’t understand, this is what I do.  I continued to do it whether he referred to it or not.  Now, he has told me, he can’t travel without it.  I prepare the detailed agenda with travel notes, contact information, cell ph#’s, etc.  I keep a copy as well.  In that way, I know at any given time where he is, when it is a good time to call him if I need to, and if travel arrangements need to be changed, I can immediately note what needs to be cancelled and what is rebooked.  Recently, my logistics style came in very handy when a snow storm stranded him and travel had to be changed /cancelled quickly.  His direct reports tease me when he is traveling to their city because I am so detail oriented and confirm everything. They tell me you would think the PResident was coming to their city.  I tell them as far as I am concerned, he is.   However, in a nice way, this is how I work and they know what to expect.  Ultimately, my boss appreciates it.
You need to be quietly assertive and proactive.  Take the initiative to learn about the profession and improve your knowledge and skill set.   Take charge of the calendar and schedule the meetings.  Manage your boss’s time.  Become engaged in the business.  Ask permission to attend staff meetings, and monthly meetings where appropriate, if you don’t already.  Learn about the business your boss manages.  Over the past 4 years I have become my boss’s right arm.  I have taken the initiative to learn the business which in turn helps my boss.  In this economy, no one is secure.  It is our responsibility to take charge of our career by making ourselves as valuable to our employer as possible.  Learn the business, gain respect and always treat others with respect as well.  Take initiative to make improvements where necessary and keep a list.  Do not flaunt your accomplishments, be humble.  The impression you make and the impact you have on people you come in contact with will follow you wherever you go and ultimately benefit you.

[Cathy S]

Thanks for posting that ... I always like to hear how other's have addressed some of those common problems that most of us encounter at some time or another in our careers.

It is especially difficult to deal with that handover situation you outlined and well done for making the role your own.

Cathy

[gee4]

Peaches you are to be admired.  You took the bullet by the horns and fixed a messy situation that others got you into.

I am also particular about details.  It has became apparent over the past few months in my new role, that neither my boss nor his team have been used to the level of support and assistance I provide.  My answer is the same as yours, that's what I do and that's what I'm here for.

As Marie said, highlighting certain problems to the boss is not always necessary if you can resolve them yourself, but it's good to keep him informed and aware of situations.

[peaches2160]

Funny thing about it, my predecessor kept calling me telling that since she only lives around the corner, she could come by when he was "traveling" and help me with things I was struggling with.  I am a bit stubborn and thanked her but told her it would not be necessary.  Her sole purpose in wanting to come back and train me as a gesture of kindness (as she should have when she was still an employee) was to make it appear the company could not do without her and I was not as capable as she. 

A few more helpful hints:

Do not get involved in the office gossip mill.  It will always come back to bite you.  Keep your ears open, but your mouth shut.  MY usual reply is - "Really, I have not heard that".  "I don't know" is another good response.

Be your bosses eyes and ears - but only let him / her know of information that has merit. 

Always have your bosses back and build trust.  Let them know not only through your words but through your actions that they can depend on you. 

Always seek the "win / win" outcome to any situation. 

Be true to yourself and go with your intuition. 

If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.  Keep your negative thoughts to yourself. 

[peaches2160]

Dippa 1 - Wanted to check in with you to see how it's going?