Got a Supportive but Disorganised Boss? 3 Tactics for Women to Overcome the Challenge

Having a supportive but chaotic boss can feel like navigating a storm. For women leaders, this is a golden opportunity to shine by bringing structure and clarity where it’s needed most.

While your boss values your contributions and encourages your growth, their disorganised methods often lead to inefficiencies and missed deadlines. According to the Project Management Institute, poor project management practices lead to a 9.9% loss of every pound invested in projects. This inefficiency significantly impacts your team’s productivity and morale.

Many Iron Ladies have combated this challenge successfully by applying the business war tactics mentioned below.

Tactics to Overcome the Challenge

1. Expectation Management and Clear Timelines:

Set clear, realistic timelines for tasks and projects. Clearly define what needs to be done and by when, helping your boss understand the importance of structured deadlines.

Example: “Boss, I know you have a lot on your plate. Let’s set specific deadlines for each task so we can ensure timely delivery and better manage our workload.”

2. Offer to Help Structure Tasks:

Proactively offer to organise and structure your boss’s tasks. This can involve creating a project plan, setting priorities, and delegating responsibilities effectively.

Example: “Let me help you by outlining a structured plan for our upcoming project. This way, we can stay on track and meet our goals without unnecessary delays.”

3. Communicate Clearly and Concisely:

Ensure that your communication with your boss is clear and concise. Present your suggestions in a way that makes it easy for them to agree or provide feedback.

Example: “Here’s a draft of the project timeline. Please review and let me know if there are any changes or if we can proceed with this plan.”

At Iron Lady, we advocate for proactive and bold leadership. By managing expectations, setting clear timelines, and offering structured support, you can turn a chaotic working environment into a well-organised and efficient one. This not only benefits your boss but also positions you as a crucial asset to the team.

Remember, the strength of a woman leader lies in her ability to transform challenges into opportunities. Embrace the chaos, bring order to it, and let your leadership capabilities shine through.

Don’t let disorganisation hold you back. Equip yourself with the skills to manage and lead effectively with our Leadership Masterclass Programme.