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Prep for a Meeting With Boss

When you finally decide to enlist a manager’s help in dealing with an office foe, approach the meeting like a manager. Ask the supervisor ahead of time how much time he or she can spare. Prepare a script or outline, particularly if you’re nervous, so that you cover your points and respect the manager’s time constraints.

Prioritize your comments and anticipate follow-up questions, advises Marie McIntyre in Secrets to Winning at Office Politics: How to achieve your goals and increase your influence at work. Start with your most important points,” she says, “and move quickly but be prepared for them to pepper you with questions after about three sentences. Executives don’t want to listen to a monologue.”

Be concise. You’ll frustrate a manager if the person has to help you both focus and provide a solution. Tell the supervisor how you’ve tried to combat the problem. And advise him or her of other options you’re considering, especially unpalatable ones. Stress that you are hoping he or she can suggest better ones.

Most importantly, show how the constant battling affects your work. Don’t deal in personalities during such talks. You will come across as unprofessional.