Criticizing the Boss

Elizabeth Garone has an article on how to criticize your boss nicely. Much depends upon how healthy the relationship is in the first place, but unless it is a major issue, my advice would be simple: Don't do it unless the matter is truly important.

For example, if the boss overuses certain phrases, is that a mannerism that people have grown to accept and in the general scheme of things is pretty minor or is it going to harm the organization? I've worked for some nice bosses and yet most of them would have bridled at any direct criticism from a team member. The indirect approach may work but it is common to see people who can hear an exact example of their poor conduct and conclude it doesn't apply to them. Proceed with caution if you proceed at all.