You're struggling to get your boss to listen to you. What's the best way to get their attention?

1 Understand their goals

The first step to getting your boss to listen to you is to understand what they want to achieve. What are their priorities, challenges, and expectations? What are the objectives and criteria for success of the film project? How do they measure and evaluate your performance? By knowing these things, you can align your ideas and proposals with their goals and show them how you can help them solve problems, save time, or improve quality.

2 Choose the right time and channel

The second step is to choose the right time and channel to communicate with your boss. Don't interrupt them when they're in the middle of something important, or send them a long email when they're swamped with messages. Instead, find out when they're most available and receptive, and use the channel that they prefer. For example, you can schedule a meeting, call them on the phone, or send them a brief and clear message. Make sure you have a clear purpose and agenda for your communication, and respect their time and attention span.

3 Be confident and respectful

The third step is to be confident and respectful when you communicate with your boss. Confidence means that you believe in yourself and your ideas, and that you can express them clearly and convincingly. Respect means that you acknowledge your boss's authority and expertise, and that you listen to their feedback and opinions. Don't be afraid to speak up, but don't be arrogant or aggressive. Don't be defensive or dismissive, but don't be passive or submissive. Find a balance between assertiveness and politeness, and use positive and professional language.

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?