Dear HR Manager from Pulled in Two Many Directions

Dear HR Manager,

Our team recently reorganized into a matrix reporting structure. I now have two managers from two different departments and two “to-do” lists. This works well most of the time, but I run into trouble when both managers have pressing concerns with similar deadlines. I want to meet expectations but know that competing deadlines will cause me to fall behind. How can I handle this without causing them to doubt my ability to manage my time?

– Pulled in Two Many Directions

Dear Pulled in Two Many Directions,

Time management and prioritization are skills that take time to develop, especially with new managers. Juggling multiple stakeholders with different agendas is part art, part science. Try these ideas to get both managers on the same page as you continue to learn about their priorities.

Ask for feedback.

As a new direct report, it makes sense that you will need to find out where priorities fit in with each other. Identify a structure where you can ask for feedback from both managers on your running “to-do” list. For example, send an end-of-day summary to outline priorities to allow either manager to speak up if they feel differently AND encourage them to communicate with each other.

Set up a regular planning meeting.

Reserve one of your weekly meetings a month for a group meeting with both managers. This time can be set aside to look at the big picture of priorities on your plate. Managers can share upcoming projects and timelines that are imperative to their workflow allowing you to block out your schedule ahead of time.

Ask for patience.

Adjustments take time to work out. Acknowledge that you are in a learning stage with this new structure. Ask your managers to allow some wiggle room as you observe their work patterns and refine your prioritization skills.

Remember that communication is key when faced with multiple priorities.

– HR Manager

Originally featured in UBA’s November 2022 HR Elements Newsletter.