Learn how to cope with a boss who is always changing their mind. Follow these tips to keep up, communicate effectively, and avoid unnecessary stress.

Request clarity on expectations and decisions, try seeking specific details to understand changes. Document instructions and decisions for future reference. Maintain open communication channels to adapt quickly to new directives. Remain flexible in responding to evolving priorities. Always be proactive to have clear communication and consistency to minimize confusion and enhance productivity.

Personally I talk with my management about the bigger goals and KPIs and work backwards towards more granular activities and milestones. The big KPIs (annual revenue, growth, number of customers etc.) rarely change. The more I can demonstrate my methodology towards achieving those KPIs, showing clear activities, milestones and intermediate KPIs, the less likely my manager is to interfere on "how to get there" and change his mind on my assignments. Supplying your manager with the data to support your strategy and to provide regular updates on your progress, is a great way of winning more autonomy from interference and change.

Your boss is always changing their mind. How can you keep up?

Do you ever feel frustrated by your boss's constant changes of direction, priorities, or expectations? You are not alone. Many people struggle with managing a boss who is always changing their mind, especially in fast-paced or complex environments. However, there are some strategies you can use to keep up, communicate effectively, and avoid unnecessary stress. Here are some tips to help you cope with a fickle boss.

1 Understand the reasons

The first step to dealing with a boss who is always changing their mind is to understand why they do it. It could be due to pressure from higher-ups or external stakeholders, the need to adapt to changing market conditions or customer needs, indecisiveness, insecurity, lack of confidence, creativity, vision, or experimentation. To reduce your frustration, try to empathize with your boss and see things from their perspective.

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Usman Khalid

Helping Professionals achieve their Career Goals & Organizations in building Quality Teams | HR Consultant | Career Coach | Personal Branding Strategist | Certified HR Professional | Strategic HR Expert |
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Request clarity on expectations and decisions, try seeking specific details to understand changes. Document instructions and decisions for future reference. Maintain open communication channels to adapt quickly to new directives. Remain flexible in responding to evolving priorities. Always be proactive to have clear communication and consistency to minimize confusion and enhance productivity.

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Sartaj U.

Product @Agilent l 💡 LinkedIn Top voice l PMP l CSM
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Try to understand the reason as your Boss is probably trying to work out certain things. Talk to him ,offer support...team work always provides something positive.

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Ivan Shishkin

Executive coach for founders and C-suite. I help you grow, manage your energy, and lead your business further.
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To keep up with a boss who frequently changes their mind, seek clarity on expectations, communicate regularly, and be flexible. Document changes, manage expectations realistically, and anticipate shifts. Seek feedback, stay organized, and maintain a positive attitude. Build trust by demonstrating reliability and transparency.

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2 Clarify the expectations

The second step to dealing with a boss who is always changing their mind is to clarify the expectations and goals of each project or task. Whenever your boss gives you a new assignment or changes an existing one, ask them to explain the rationale, the scope, the deadline, and the deliverables. Repeat back what you understood and confirm it in writing. This will help you avoid misunderstandings, miscommunication, and wasted time.

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Georgina Schaefer

Life Coach | EMEA Sales Specialist Lead for VMware, NetApp, Filestore and Backup @ Google Cloud
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Personally I talk with my management about the bigger goals and KPIs and work backwards towards more granular activities and milestones. The big KPIs (annual revenue, growth, number of customers etc.) rarely change. The more I can demonstrate my methodology towards achieving those KPIs, showing clear activities, milestones and intermediate KPIs, the less likely my manager is to interfere on "how to get there" and change his mind on my assignments. Supplying your manager with the data to support your strategy and to provide regular updates on your progress, is a great way of winning more autonomy from interference and change.

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Sharm Siva

Enhancing ways of working through leadership neuroscience and tech training | LeadSmarter.org | TrainSmarter.com.au
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It's common for bosses to be unaware that they're not being clear enough. Your working styles may be different. Take lead of planning your work by suggesting that the both of you discuss exact tasks you'll be working on, by priority, in your 1:1.

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3 Manage your workload

The third step to dealing with a boss who is always changing their mind is to manage your workload and prioritize your tasks. If your boss keeps adding new work or changing the order of importance, you need to be flexible and adaptable, but also realistic and assertive. Don't be afraid to say no or negotiate when you have too much on your plate or when the changes are unreasonable or unrealistic. Explain the impact of the changes on your other projects, deadlines, and quality of work. Offer alternatives or solutions that can meet your boss's needs and yours.

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Mohamed Salah Abdelbaky

Reliability Manager for primary production units, Bulk and on-sites of Africa, Middle East, India and Kazakhstan cluster
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One of the very effective methods to prioritize your tasks is the priority matrix, devide your tasks according to 4 main, 1- Important & Urgent tasks(Do), 2- Important & Not urgent (Shedule), 3- Urgent & Not important(Delegate), 4- Not Urgent & Not important(delete).

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4 Seek feedback

The fourth step to dealing with a boss who is always changing their mind is to seek feedback and update them regularly on your progress. This will help you align your work with their expectations, avoid surprises, and demonstrate your value. Ask your boss how they prefer to receive feedback, whether it is by email, phone, or in person. Provide them with clear, concise, and relevant information on what you have done, what you are doing, and what you plan to do next. Ask them for their input, suggestions, or approval. Thank them for their guidance and support.

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5 Keep a record

The fifth step to dealing with a boss who is always changing their mind is to keep a record of all the changes, decisions, and feedback that you receive from them. This will help you track your work, document your achievements, and protect yourself in case of any disputes or conflicts. Use a tool or system that works for you, such as a spreadsheet, a notebook, or an online app. Include the date, the description, and the source of each change, decision, or feedback. Review your record regularly and share it with your boss if necessary.

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6 Take care of yourself

The sixth and final step to dealing with a boss who is always changing their mind is to take care of yourself and your well-being. Working with such a fickle person can be quite stressful and demotivating, so it is important to find ways to cope with the pressure, uncertainty, and frustration. To do this, you should set boundaries and limits on your availability and workload, seek support from colleagues, friends, or family, focus on the positive aspects of your work and achievements, celebrate successes, reward yourself, and practice self-care techniques such as meditation, exercise, or hobbies. Although it may be difficult at times, following these tips will help you communicate effectively with your boss and avoid unnecessary stress.

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Nonato Soares

Gerente de Segurança do Trabalho na Hydro Alunorte
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Uma das formas é fazendo uma lista das solicitações e priorização destas. Após essa priorização os projetos selecionados devem ser acordados com o solicitante pois assim ele poderá saber em que você está trabalhando. Caso haja novas entradas essas devem entrar na lista de priorização e qualquer alteração deve ser combinado e aprovado por quem solicita. Dessa forma todos estarão alinhados sobre os projetos em andamento e também a expectativa sobre as novas solicitações.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your boss is always changing their mind. How can you keep up?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand the reasons

2 Clarify the expectations

3 Manage your workload

4 Seek feedback

5 Keep a record

6 Take care of yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

People Management

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Your boss is always changing their mind. How can you keep up?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand the reasons

2 Clarify the expectations

3 Manage your workload

4 Seek feedback

5 Keep a record

6 Take care of yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

People Management

Rate this article

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