RolloTreadwayI don't know how to explain to my boss that I need her to be clear about what she wants, so that she doesn't end up with a bunch of conflicting information because she keeps asking for data in different ways, as has happened this week. I don't know how to explain.
I am really upset by all this. I try so hard to do my job well but it's so fucking difficult when people aren't clear, when people don't check their work so the data isn't correct, when people don't fix IT problems which also produce incorrect data, and when I'm asked to provide data when I haven't yet had time to go through it and check for all the errors.
Finally got through all that mess. Don't feel like I can do any more work today.
Heather KavanaghThat’s awkward.
Dr. Figuring-things-aut@RolloTreadway From more IT -adjacent people I have heard that they try and say that some things in a request to them are unspecified and they want more details to make sure they deliver the right things. I would try and angle like that as to not step on anyone's toes.
Kim Spence-Jones 🇬🇧😷@RolloTreadway
Maybe responding with an email of the kind “I just want to check that I’ve understood correctly that what you are asking for is …”?
That has two desirable features. Most importantly, it gets you to define what your objective is, in ways your boss can’t criticise when you complete the task, but it also implies that the problem is your potential for misunderstanding, rather than your bosses inability to state the task, so it avoids direct criticism by using self-deprecation.
Maybe responding with an email of the kind “I just want to check that I’ve understood correctly that what you are asking for is …”?
That has two desirable features. Most importantly, it gets you to define what your objective is, in ways your boss can’t criticise when you complete the task, but it also implies that the problem is your potential for misunderstanding, rather than your bosses inability to state the task, so it avoids direct criticism by using self-deprecation.
UkeleleEric@KimSJ @RolloTreadway It's also quite probable that your boss doesn't really know what she wants (or is pressured from above), so makes requests in a vague way. Or maybe no-one has actually asked her to elucidate before, and the majority just do what they think was wanted, and she doesn't evaluate what actually gets done? Sometimes it can just be down to a difference in communication styles, as well. You need to carefully ask whether 'example1' or 'example2' is required.
Mirishuli@RolloTreadway First, you explained it well here. You can say something like, “in order to make sure I understand what you want, do you want this…..”.
Also, couple of us around here have asked that directions like this be put in writing, either an email or text. We say upfront, I remember written items much better oral/spoken things. This makes them be specific and it creates a written record. (This has been important in a couple of situations). Plus, it’s also true. 😂