Has anyone been successful at giving constructive feedback to a boss

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[Post New]05/10/2017 10:55
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Anonymous
My boss thinks things are great. On balance, things are ok, but our organization could be so much better (we've skated by for the last decade based on an excellent reputation). I think one or the biggest things holding us back is that my boss is totally disconnected from what most of us do. Growth opportunities are therefore constantly missed. Is there any chance of delivering this assessment without really damaging our relationship?
[Post New]05/10/2017 10:59
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Anonymous
Why not just focus on the positive and leave out the negative part? "Hey Boss, I saw this great opportunity that I think we be beneficial for us to pursue" and lay out how it would benefit your organization.
[Post New]05/10/2017 11:01
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Why not just focus on the positive and leave out the negative part? "Hey Boss, I saw this great opportunity that I think we be beneficial for us to pursue" and lay out how it would benefit your organization.

I agree with this in theory and have been trying it. He basically tells me to butt out and worry about myself only. He's got it covered.
[Post New]05/10/2017 11:35
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Anonymous
I think you have your answer. If he's got it covered and doesn't want to hear from you then nothing to say.
[Post New]05/10/2017 11:42
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I think you have your answer. If he's got it covered and doesn't want to hear from you then nothing to say.

So I can shut up or leave? Are they really my only two options? Genuine question. I just feel this place has so much potential, it kills me to leave it untapped.
[Post New]05/10/2017 11:54
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think you have your answer. If he's got it covered and doesn't want to hear from you then nothing to say.

So I can shut up or leave? Are they really my only two options? Genuine question. I just feel this place has so much potential, it kills me to leave it untapped.


I'm a boss. you sound immature.

go to your boss with SOLUTIONS to a problem, that YOU can implement. never go just to complain or tell him how he should improve the process. I hate Monday morning quarterbacks. I love and promote my employees who take ownership of a problem and fix it.
[Post New]05/10/2017 12:05
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think you have your answer. If he's got it covered and doesn't want to hear from you then nothing to say.

So I can shut up or leave? Are they really my only two options? Genuine question. I just feel this place has so much potential, it kills me to leave it untapped.


I'm a boss. you sound immature.

go to your boss with SOLUTIONS to a problem, that YOU can implement. never go just to complain or tell him how he should improve the process. I hate Monday morning quarterbacks. I love and promote my employees who take ownership of a problem and fix it.

This is kind of funny given the details of my situation. You are probably a good boss, I'll give you that. Here's an example: CEO: boss, what's your strategy for the next 5-10 years? Boss: I'm not sure I'll ask my team. Me: boss: I've put together a proposal for aligning our capabilities with the broader communities goals and developing the necessary relationships to capitalize on those areas. Boss: you're thinking way too far outside the box. I've got it covered.

...
[Post New]05/10/2017 22:55
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Anonymous
My experience with bosses is that they all think they are geniuses and don't want your feedback. I've learned to shut my mouth and take the paycheck. Most bosses have fragile egos and they just want an @ss kisser.
[Post New]05/11/2017 04:09
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think you have your answer. If he's got it covered and doesn't want to hear from you then nothing to say.

So I can shut up or leave? Are they really my only two options? Genuine question. I just feel this place has so much potential, it kills me to leave it untapped.


I'm a boss. you sound immature.

go to your boss with SOLUTIONS to a problem, that YOU can implement. never go just to complain or tell him how he should improve the process. I hate Monday morning quarterbacks. I love and promote my employees who take ownership of a problem and fix it.

This is kind of funny given the details of my situation. You are probably a good boss, I'll give you that. Here's an example: CEO: boss, what's your strategy for the next 5-10 years? Boss: I'm not sure I'll ask my team. Me: boss: I've put together a proposal for aligning our capabilities with the broader communities goals and developing the necessary relationships to capitalize on those areas. Boss: you're thinking way too far outside the box. I've got it covered.

...


I'm a supervisor and could barely follow your proposal. It's too theoretical. I don't want to hear about aligning capabilities and relationships. When people come to me with specifics, that's what I appreciate. Problem: our server is disorganized. Newer attorneys can't find the info and motions they need. Solution from you that would make me grateful: here's a plan for organizing our information. I think I would need x hours and y staff to carry it out. Me: amazing, you're the lead on this project, and I'll ask y to work with you. (You would get lots of credit for this work and I'd seek to promote you soon).
[Post New]05/11/2017 04:44
quote
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think you have your answer. If he's got it covered and doesn't want to hear from you then nothing to say.

So I can shut up or leave? Are they really my only two options? Genuine question. I just feel this place has so much potential, it kills me to leave it untapped.


I'm a boss. you sound immature.

go to your boss with SOLUTIONS to a problem, that YOU can implement. never go just to complain or tell him how he should improve the process. I hate Monday morning quarterbacks. I love and promote my employees who take ownership of a problem and fix it.

This is kind of funny given the details of my situation. You are probably a good boss, I'll give you that. Here's an example: CEO: boss, what's your strategy for the next 5-10 years? Boss: I'm not sure I'll ask my team. Me: boss: I've put together a proposal for aligning our capabilities with the broader communities goals and developing the necessary relationships to capitalize on those areas. Boss: you're thinking way too far outside the box. I've got it covered.

...


I'm a supervisor and could barely follow your proposal. It's too theoretical. I don't want to hear about aligning capabilities and relationships. When people come to me with specifics, that's what I appreciate. Problem: our server is disorganized. Newer attorneys can't find the info and motions they need. Solution from you that would make me grateful: here's a plan for organizing our information. I think I would need x hours and y staff to carry it out. Me: amazing, you're the lead on this project, and I'll ask y to work with you. (You would get lots of credit for this work and I'd seek to promote you soon).


+1. Lay out the problem specifically and the solution. Don't referencing aligning capabilities and goals.
[Post New]05/11/2017 05:09
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AmyForever
Member Offline
I consider myself lucky in this regard. I have constructively criticized the issues with the bosses, VPs they only want every argument to be backed by facts and numbers and many times changes were implemented. I think one mistakes many make is to wrong choice of words.
[Post New]05/11/2017 05:24
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Anonymous
If you propose anything, it better have numbers backed by actions that are practical and doable. The numbers have to be forward looking. Avoid discussion of missed opportunities. I would reject your proposal, as formulated, outright. It sounds like management psycho-babble. Also, don't imagine that the firm or your supervisor will appreciate any of your proposals that they cannot claim as their own. My best advice is take the paycheck, STFU and work on improving your own work and competencies.
[Post New]05/11/2017 09:38
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Anonymous
I think it's great advice to be specific and define achievable goals in proposals. In fact, that was advice I received from coworkers and mentors in developing this proposal (again, in response to our CEO asking for a strategy). Did you really think the words I wrote above were the proposal?

Anyway, I see this is probably not going anywhere, but thanks for the responses (those who were helpful, and those with whom I can commiserate). I wish there were a way to openly and honestly address our deficiencies as an organization but I'm not very optimistic at this point.
[Post New]05/11/2017 09:43
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Anonymous
So, yes it is possible to give a boss/CEO constructive criticism and it go well. I have seen it both work and not work. It doesn't sound like that can work with your boss. If he isn't asking you for feedback or an opinion do not offer one.
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