When communicating with your boss, which position should you adopt?

Adopting the funnel position when communicating with your boss is highly effective for several reasons. The funnel metaphor illustrates how information should be directed and refined as it moves upward in the organizational hierarchy. This position involves taking in various inputs, such as feedback, insights, and suggestions from your team or other stakeholders, filtering unnecessary details while ensuring that key points are highlighted.

By using a funnel approach, you streamline the communication process, making it easier for your boss to understand the most important aspects of your message without being overwhelmed by extraneous information. This method enhances clarity and ensures that critical insights are presented effectively, promoting a more focused conversation that can lead to better decision-making.

In contrast to positions like filter, barrier, or buffer, which may complicate communication or hinder the flow of information, the funnel encourages a constructive exchange. It emphasizes the need to present information in a consolidated and coherent manner, enhancing both your credibility and the effectiveness of your communication with leadership.