What do you do if your boss and you clash on work priorities?

Understanding the reasons behind your boss's priorities is crucial. It helps you see the bigger picture of the company's goals and objectives, which may influence their decision-making process. By putting yourself in their shoes, you can better appreciate their perspective and approach the conflict with empathy and understanding. It's also important to recognize that what may initially appear as a clash in priorities could stem from miscommunication or a lack of clarity. Taking the time to communicate openly and transparently with your boss can help clarify any misunderstandings and bridge the gap in perspectives.

Keep in mind that the goal of the conversation is to reach a resolution that is in the best interest of the team and the project. This may involve finding common ground, exploring alternative solutions, or reaching a compromise that addresses the concerns of both parties. By initiating an open and respectful dialogue with your boss, you create an opportunity for mutual understanding and collaboration. Effective communication is key to resolving conflicts and fostering a positive working relationship built on trust and mutual respect.

One approach to finding a compromise is to re-evaluate deadlines and project timelines. By discussing potential adjustments to deadlines, you may be able to find a solution that accommodates both sets of priorities without compromising the overall project goals. This could involve extending deadlines for certain tasks or phases of the project to allow for more time to address competing priorities.

When addressing priority clashes, it's important to clarify how your work priorities support the overall goals of the department and the organization. Start by articulating a clear understanding of the company's strategy and objectives. This demonstrates that you are aligned with the organization's mission and are committed to contributing to its success. Then, explain how your work priorities directly contribute to advancing these strategic goals.

Clash of priorities is a healthy situation for any organization as it gives confidence to the boss that his employees are thinking and analytical, regarding priority a discussion is always welcome to align the objectives with those of the organization while giving a leeway for both directions, after all no methodology is absolute in any organisation but the goal is

Compreendo que, ao se chegar ao ponto de divergência com o chefe sobre as prioridades executadas, torna-se necessário revisar o processo de priorização. Uma área de TI que tenha implementado a governança evita esse tipo de problema, pois sempre visa às atividades que geram maior valor para a companhia. Além disso, passa pelo crivo das áreas de negócios, evitando a abordagem direta e simplista do one to one.