Senior leaders are incredibly busy. As a manager yourself, you know your boss is sometimes at the mercy of things that pop up that they can’t control: a customer emergency, a sudden trip now that we’re traveling again, or a conference call that their boss initiates. It’s impossible for them to keep all their commitments all the time. But when your boss cancels as a rule, not as an exception, it’s incredibly frustrating.
So Your Boss Is Always Canceling Meetings Last Minute
Here’s how to address the problem in a productive way.
July 13, 2022
HBR Staff/illucesco/Getty Images
Summary.
As a manager, you’ve likely had things crop up at the last minute and disrupt your schedule: customer emergencies, unscheduled calls with your own manager, last-minute trips. But when your own boss cancels on you frequently, it’s not only frustrating, but it can feel like a slight or make you worry about your standing. According to the author, an executive coach, if you find yourself on the receiving end of too many cancellations, it’s essential to talk to your boss about it directly. Because that can be an awkward conversation, the author presents a set of strategies you can use to address the problem in a productive way.
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New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Managing Your Boss Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Managing Your Boss. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Build a productive partnership with your most important stakeholder.