How To ACTUALLY Get Your Boss To Listen

Summary

In this video, the speaker addresses the challenge of influencing management in software projects when facing issues that require intervention. They share techniques learned from 15 years of software consulting to effectively communicate problems and their impacts to management. The key strategies include framing feedback in terms of business impact, building a supportive peer group, choosing battles wisely, and introducing changes incrementally. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of patience and strategic thinking in building trust and influence within a team.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Communicating issues effectively requires framing them in terms of their impact on management's priorities.
• 🔗 Building trust and authority with management is crucial for influencing decisions, but it has its limits.
• 👥 Collective action can amplify the influence of an individual's concerns, making them harder to ignore.
• 📈 Presenting data and evidence to support your concerns can sway management decisions, especially when it's tied to business outcomes.
• 🤝 Fostering alliances with peers can strengthen your influence and increase the likelihood of management support.
• 🎯 Choosing the right battles wisely is essential; not every issue is worth the effort to influence management.
• 💡 Introducing changes incrementally increases the chances of management acceptance and reduces resistance.
• 🚫 Recognizing and letting go of issues beyond your control can prevent burnout and maintain focus on actionable areas.
• 🕰️ Patience and strategic thinking are key in building trust and influencing management over time.
• 💼 Viewing your role with a political strategist's mindset can help navigate the complexities of organizational dynamics.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the script?

The main issue discussed is the challenge engineers and other professionals in UX, QA, and similar roles face when trying to convince management to halt or change a project due to potential issues, and how to effectively communicate these concerns to gain support.

Why is it important to frame feedback in terms of impact that matters to management?

Framing feedback in terms of impact that matters to management is crucial because it helps to connect the problem to the manager's concerns and priorities. This approach makes the manager more likely to understand the significance of the issue and take action.

What is an example given in the script where framing the problem correctly influenced management's decision?

An example given is the issue with a company's database not being backed up. By framing the problem as a potential loss of access for a major customer if the system goes down, the manager was more likely to see the urgency and impact of the issue, leading to a change in their approach.

How does building a group of allies help in influencing management decisions?

Building a group of allies helps in influencing management decisions by creating a recurring message that reinforces the problem and its impact. When multiple people express the same concern, it increases the chances that management will take the issue seriously and consider the proposed changes.

What is the importance of choosing your battles wisely when dealing with management?

Choosing your battles wisely is important because not every issue is worth the time and effort to fight for change. Focusing on the most critical issues and those where management is more likely to support you increases the chances of successful influence and avoids unnecessary conflict.

Why is it suggested to introduce changes incrementally when trying to influence management?

Introducing changes incrementally is suggested because it reduces the overwhelm for management and increases the likelihood of gaining support for each individual change. It allows management to see the benefits of one change before moving on to the next, building trust and a track record of successful improvements.

What is the significance of the saying 'trust is deposited in drops and withdrawn in buckets' in the context of the script?

The saying emphasizes the gradual and consistent effort required to build trust with others, which is crucial when trying to influence management. It highlights that one significant misstep can quickly erode trust, so patience and strategic action are essential.

How does the script suggest handling situations where you cannot change certain aspects of a project?

The script suggests that when faced with unchangeable aspects of a project, it's important to let go and focus on what is within your control. This approach helps maintain a sense of peace, improves relationships, and allows for more effective influence where it matters.

What is the role of patience and strategic thinking in influencing management, according to the script?

Patience and strategic thinking play a vital role in influencing management by allowing time to build trust, understand the motivations of different stakeholders, and navigate the political landscape of a project without causing unnecessary friction.

What is the advice given for those who are frustrated with management's lack of support?

The advice for those frustrated with management's lack of support is to be patient, strategic, and to focus on building trust and influence over time. It's also suggested to let go of things that are beyond one's control and concentrate on areas where change is possible.