What do you do if your boss is unresponsive to your concerns during a difficult conversation?

My initial instict is to identify what unresponsive means to you. Be sure you are clear as to what type of response are you expecting regarding your concerns and what the outcome is you'd like to see from the conversation. If you sense you are being misunderstood or overlooked present your concern in a different way that is relatable to the circumstance. Take responsibility for your part of the concern and provide solutions that would allow you to feel comfortable with the outcome. The solutions are negotiable due to the fact sometimes guidelines do not allow for a solid yes. If you still do not feel you made progress send an email recapping the conversation and asking for another meeting to clarify concerns that you feel are overlooked.

Follow up is important for any conversation where you feel there are unresolved issues. It is important to step away, ease tensions that may flare up and thoughtfully express any concerns you may have. Sometimes you have to give the benefit of the doubt that there may be other factors at play that caused the perception, perhaps there are urgent issues that recently came up that may have caused a distraction. Perhaps there is a difference in communication styles. Respectfully clarifying your thoughts and expressing concerns again gives the opportunity to refocus and deliver on feedback.

Scripta manent! Il faut écrire pour rappeler et avoir une preuve mais aussi pour ouvrir une nouvelle «  fenêtre » de dialogue. Attention au style de la lettre: précis, professionnel, concret mais pas présomptueux. Parler du problème, des conséquences envisageables avec sûreté, des solutions ( même si vous en êtes sures) sous forme de question ou alternative ouverte à la sensibilité des récepteurs-décideurs.

Some respectful ways to restate your points could be: I may not have been clear I'd like to offer more information regarding this point. Thank you for the feedback but I would like to revisit this topic as I have some more questions... In full transparency I am feeling my points are being dismissed is there a better time to talk or do you have questions about the points Ive raised? (This if you have a really good working relationship with your boss:) And finally I suggest you hire a Coach, wink wink. I help people to create safe space for open conversations, connection and trust within the relationship! :)

If all else fails, consider escalating the issue to a higher authority or human resources. However, this step should be taken with caution and as a last resort. Ensure that you've documented your attempts to resolve the matter directly with your boss and clearly communicate why you feel escalation is necessary. Maintain professionalism throughout the process to preserve your working relationship and reputation.

Firstly, consider scheduling a meeting to discuss your concerns in person, document your issues in writing. Secondly, focus on the problem rather than the person, express how the issue affects work, team, and be open to feedback. Additionally, maintain calm & recommend potential solutions when approaching your boss with a difficult conversation. It's crucial to prepare ahead with facts & data, be specific, focus on finding solutions, actively listen, and follow up after conversation to ensure overall solution. Lastly, if all else fails, seek support & guidance from other sources, set boundaries & expectations with your boss & if necessary, escalate the issue to a higher authority while documenting the situation respectfully & factually.

Unresponsive can be due to many reasons like: - Too many frequent concerns - You are looking at small picture (lacking far sightedness) - Those are only wish for him but not concerns - He might be developing you and wants you to find your path