English Is a Second Language: Better Communication with Your Boss

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Ever feel like your supervisor is speaking a foreign language? Well, communication is a two-way street, and it's possible that your boss feels the same way about your abilities to express yourself.

Below, you'll find five tips for breaking through the communication barrier that can sometimes exist between employees and the people they report to:

1. Pay attention.

All too often, a conversation between a supervisor and a subordinate gets cluttered with distractions. Perhaps while your boss is explaining a new project to you, instead of listening carefully to what's being said, you're wondering how you'll get the project completed on time. Or, instead of absorbing the boss' ideas for a new procedure in your department, you're thinking about how your co-workers will accept the new approach. The bottom line? Listen carefully, understand fully.

2. Ask questions.

Many people are intimidated or even afraid to ask their boss about something because they fear that the boss will perceive them as someone who simply doesn't understand. This is not true. Almost all bosses will be pleased when you ask questions, for several reasons. First, it demonstrates that you want to be absolutely certain about what is being communicated. Second, it shows that you're eager to learn more. And third, it opens the door for two-way communication and a healthy exchange of ideas.

3. Write things down.

If you become involved in a lengthy sit-down with your boss, it may be nearly impossible to remember everything that is said. Do not hesitate to take notes in order to be sure that you clearly and accurately receive and remember what is being discussed.

4. Make suggestions.

Sometimes, your boss will just want you to listen to what he or she is saying. However, most times your boss will be pleased to hear your opinion on a particular subject. Be careful not to contradict the boss or openly correct what they are saying in front of fellow workers, but go ahead and state your opinions if you feel they are good ones. The boss will appreciate your willingness to think on your own and take the initiative.

5. Follow-up later on.

In many circumstances, conversations with your boss will be over and done with. Yet, at other times, particularly if the meeting is lengthy and involves intricate details, it might be a good idea, a few days later, to report back to your supervisor just to say something like this: "With regard to that idea you had for a new filing system, I'm working on it right now and will have it completed by Thursday," or "I thought further about your plan for a new invoicing procedure and I have the following ideas of my own." Following-up demonstrates that you are being proactive about what you and your boss discussed and that you are enthusiastically implementing what the boss has said.

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