What do you do if your boss in advertising is not receptive to your needs and concerns?

One thing to consider is that sometimes leaders in certain positions can see a different perspective or a view that is not made public or has not been shared yet with the team. The resistance may have surfaced not because there's an objection to your thoughts and recommendations. It could be a conflict with a strategic objective or an angle that has not been shared with the team yet.

Of course, every situation is different. An approach that has always worked for me is to collect the supporting information/ documentation to make my case. Run the situation by a coworker or two to get their opinion and to make sure my communication makes sense. Present the information to my boss with reasoning laid out and the possible negative outcomes if left unaddressed as well as several options for solutions. Schedule a time to discuss and reminders for follow-up. If there are still no results, I would say never shy away from pushing the issue higher up the chain.

Feeling unheard by your advertising boss? Here's a two-step approach: ✅Shift your perspective: Frame your needs as solutions that benefit the team and campaigns. Quantify your concerns (e.g., "an overworked team leads to potential missed deadlines"). ✅Schedule a focused meeting: Prepare data and solutions beforehand. Instead of venting frustrations, propose improvements like delegating tasks or using new project management tools. Be clear, concise, and professional in your communication. Demonstrating a proactive and results-oriented approach might make your boss more receptive to your concerns. It may be time to consider a more supportive work environment if not.

I am taking a different approach: Greetings Boss, Let's collaborate on the next project. We can discuss it over lunch, my treat.

One thing I found that works is making sure I haven't missed or forgotten anything. Assess my current situation and what I brought to the table. I would ask to speak with your manager to discuss ways that each of you hadn't thought about. Remember we all have our own stuff to deal with. Checking it at the door is difficult to do but when we address the actual issue the better the outcomes. Personality dies play a part and we need to realize how we differ and are alike to work cohesively together. Ask questions about how your manager sees the situation and let your ask you questions. Take notes. Make a plan on how best to address any concerns and check in on these goals each week.

If your boss seems tuned out to your needs, try adjusting the frequency. Schedule a calm, clear chat to voice your concerns and needs. Be specific about what support you're looking for. Sometimes, it’s about finding the right volume for your message. Open dialogue can turn the static into clarity, helping you both get on the same wavelength.

Yes, document your interactions because if something goes wrong; then, you have a record of your attempts to seek support. Opt for emails rather than verbal communication. If you do have verbal communications, follow up with an email for the record.