By Mike Cieri

With the economy the way it is, many people are being worked to the point of exhaustion. Is this happening to you? Missing deadlines, working 60 – 70 hrs a week consistently with no extra pay, getting more headaches, and other health related issues? If so, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are choices.

1. You can choose to do nothing (Yes this is a choice and nothing will change!)
2. You can quit (Yes you can, you may decide not to quit because of the uncertainty, but it is your choice)
3. You can talk with your boss. If you don’t you are stuck with options A or B.

Let’s say you’ve decided to talk with your Boss. Here are some helpful hints for success with your discussion.

1. Look at your Job Description. Compare the duties on the official job description and what you are currently doing (Tasks/Responsibilities/Expectations/Special Projects. Create a list side-by-side comparing the two.
2. Practice your conversation using Multiple Perspectives (Using the list).
   • Yourself – consider the situation from your own point of view. What is it you want to convey? What is the outcome you want? Be involved, feeling the conversation fully.
   • Your Boss – consider the situation as if you are him/her – put yourself in their shoes and look at your request (how you are presenting it) through their eyes. As you do, adopt their beliefs, values, personal history (as far as you are informed). The more complete the shift the more information you’ll gather.
   • Observer – consider the situation from a neutral, third party point of view, seeing yourself and your boss. This position is an objective point of view.
   • Continue multiple perspective process until you are satisfied with the conversation.
3. Sit down with your boss and discuss the list.
4. When talking about the differences of the two lists, be clear that you cannot accomplish everything and ask for help prioritizing.
5. Use active listening.
   • Keep an open mind. Focus on the content, not the person.
   • Listen calmly and attentively.
   • Do not interrupt, over justify, or over explain.
   • Try not to act defensively or rationalize the situation.
   • Paraphrase the feedback.
   • Summarize your understanding of the feedback.
   • If necessary ask for clarity – examples

Once you’ve had the conversation with your boss, you will have either:

• Had the results you want.
• Come to an understanding and priority of work.
• There is no change (unlikely)

Either way – you still have options.