At times, the challenge isn't completing the tasks but determining who is asking for them and how to prioritize between them. When more than one manager is directly supervising you and their instructions start to clash, the workplace can shift from a productive environment to a stressful battlefield. In a moment, you may find yourself torn between contradictory orders, each one seeming urgent, with every manager believing you are solely dedicated to them. So, how should you handle this situation? Silence leads to losing control, and defiance only invites conflict. But these five steps can help you navigate through the storm calmly, according to Nadia Nasirat, a specialist in psychology and self-development.
1. Document Instructions Clearly
Verbal instructions can easily be forgotten or misinterpreted, but what you write down remains clear. When you start documenting every task or directive, either through email or in a personal notebook, you create a clear reference point to return to when necessary. This documentation gives you power during overlapping tasks, as you can review the timing, phrasing, and nature of the request. Additionally, it presents you as a detail-oriented and organized employee, someone who knows what’s required of them and takes their responsibilities seriously. It’s also a subtle defense tool in case you're placed in a position where you’re accused or reminded inaccurately.
2. Request Clarification on Priorities
Many employees hesitate to ask about the priority of tasks, fearing it might be perceived as a refusal or objection. However, it’s actually a professional approach. When you inform your manager that you’re currently working on a specific task and ask how high a priority their new request holds, you’re not avoiding work — you’re striving to perform at your best without distractions. This step shows your awareness of the work pressure, your commitment to high-quality performance, and encourages your manager to reconsider what needs to be done and when. It also shields you from silently breaking down because you didn’t clarify the situation early on.
3. Stay Neutral in Your Behavior
One of the toughest traps an employee can fall into is appearing to favor one manager over the other. Even if you feel more comfortable dealing with a certain manager or find their approach more flexible, maintaining complete professional neutrality is essential. This neutrality should be reflected in your body language, comments, and choice of words. Avoid discussing one manager with the other or showing any signs of frustration with the instructions of either party. Your role is to get the job done, not to be involved in hidden battles. By maintaining this neutrality, you'll gain the trust of all parties over time.
4. Inform Both Managers About Task Overlaps
When you receive two conflicting assignments with similar deadlines from different managers, don’t ignore the issue and dive into random work. Communicate clearly with both parties, informing them that you have another task in the same time frame and requesting a logical order or support in determining priority. However, ensure you don’t approach this as a complaint or a way of passing the blame between departments. Use a professional tone like: "I would like to complete both tasks to a high standard, but there is a time overlap. Would you prefer I prioritize this one over that one?" This approach saves you from embarrassment and places the responsibility on management, not on your shoulders alone.
5. Always Turn to Your Direct Manager for Guidance
If you find yourself in a situation where the instructions are frequent, conflicting, and starting to affect the quality of your work and your reputation, the ultimate point of reference should always be your direct manager. They are the person who defines your actual responsibilities, sees the bigger picture, and has the authority to resolve conflicts. Don’t act alone under pressure or ignore instructions expecting everyone to understand. When you approach your direct manager and explain the situation, you send the message that you care about maintaining order and quality, not about pleasing others or avoiding responsibility. This shows management that you are a mature employee, not a victim of circumstance.
By following these steps, you can navigate the complexities of managing conflicting tasks and multiple supervisors with confidence, professionalism, and effectiveness.
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