A manager’s role is to support you in doing your best work.
But in many ways, your role is to do the same for your manager.
When you bring a problem to solve or an opportunity to pursue, aim for clarity before the conversation starts.
The clearer you are, the more effectively your manager can respond.
Just put yourself in their shoes.
They have a whole team coming to them with different asks, and their job is to prioritise effectively.
The more vague the ask, the more time they need to clarify it.
This could take time away from other demands.
Or they might not have capacity for a deep dive, and so they won’t be in the best position to take appropriate action.
This doesn’t mean you should avoid bringing up issues you can’t fully define.
It means that whenever possible, take the time to prepare and articulate your message clearly to help your manager respond with greater impact (or put another way, take the time beforehand to help them help you).
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