6 Ways to Be Kind to Your Boss (and Your Coworkers!)

Let’s be honest: we’re all busy. When was the last time you started your workday, opened your to-do list, ticked off every task, and left with everything done? It rarely happens. Not because you’re a poor planner, but because it’s so easy to get distracted by emails, chat messages, and unexpected requests.

Now, consider your boss — they’re likely navigating an even more overwhelming flood of communications and decisions. So, how can you ensure your messages (written or verbal) cut through the noise and get noticed? The key is to respect their time and do as much groundwork as possible before reaching out. Here are six practical ways to improve your work-related communication and make life easier for everyone:

1. Be Clear and Concise Every issue has nuances, but your boss (or colleague) may not have time to read a lengthy document or listen to a 30-minute explanation. If you understand the problem well, distill it into 2-3 key bullet points. Focus on what truly matters, and leave the finer details for follow-up discussions.

2. Set Deadlines (and Explain Why) When asking for something — whether it’s a document review or a go/no-go decision — clearly state when you need a response and explain why. Setting deadlines for your boss can feel uncomfortable, but providing context (i.e., the reason you need an answer by a certain date) makes all the difference.

3. Provide an ETA

   When you receive a task, especially a time-sensitive one, share an estimated completion time. If you realize midway that your initial estimate was off, communicate the updated timeline. This keeps everyone aligned and prevents unnecessary follow-ups.

4. Own Your Tasks Take responsibility for every task you commit to. Be proactive with updates and flag potential delays early. Don’t wait for someone to chase you down —stay one step ahead.

5. Know Your Audience’s Communication Style People generally fall into two camps:

   • “This meeting could’ve been an email”

   • "Why spend 5 minutes on the phone when you can easily sort the whole thing out in 8 hours via chat?" Regardless of your preference, adapting to the recipient’s favored communication style will help you get things done faster and with less friction.

6. Give Meetings Meaningful Titles If you schedule a meeting, name it in a way that conveys its purpose. A vague title like “Project XXX” is unhelpful. Instead, use something like “Project XXX Budget Discussion” or “Project XXX Deployment Frequency Review.” This allows attendees to understand the topic at a glance, without needing to open the calendar invite.

These six principles don’t just apply to your boss — they work for all professional interactions. Time is our most limited resource. Let’s respect each other’s time and make work a little easier for everyone!