Dear Dr. Mimi: Unheard

Dear Dr. Mimi:
I work in a fairly small office, and we feel like our boss is doing her own thing. She doesn’t act like she’s on board with any of our ideas, but she doesn’t reject them, either. Recently it’s gotten so bad I don’t even think she listens to them. My co-workers and I have good benefits and don’t want to step on anyone’s toes, but we want to get through to her. I’m just worried about our company.
—Unheard

Dear Unheard:

If your boss is not listening to any of you, she probably wants to keep control and may feel threatened by you all. Instead of telling her what you think should be done, ask questions that will enable her to consider options without feeling like she is losing control. Instead of saying, “I think that we should do_______,” try saying something like, “What do you think about trying _______?” That way it becomes her idea, and she is not threatened by the suggestions.
—Dr. Mimi


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