Q: I’m a recent college graduate and just landed an entry-level job where I provide administrative support to three professionals who share an office. My problem is that each of the three “bosses” seems to think I only work for them. They seem to forget about the workload from the other two and I feel pressure from each to give their stuff priority.   I’m stressed out because I want to do a good job, but I’m beginning to think it’s impossible. Any tips?

A: It may be no comfort to you, but most of us at some time in our work life have encountered some version of your situation.

The source of the problem varies. Sometimes there’s tension/rivalry between bosses, and the person in your position becomes a pawn in a contest over who is the more important “boss”. This is a toxic situation, and I would start looking to work elsewhere.

On the other hand, sometimes the “bosses” all get along but are oblivious/unaware that they are asking you to do the impossible, either because they truly don’t realize how long it actually takes to perform a given task or because they underestimate how much work the other two bosses are giving you.

Luckily, in these cases there are solutions. Here’s one: Ask to meet with whoever offered you the job or signed your offer letter. If that’s not applicable, ask to meet with all three or with whoever seems most open to problem-solve with you. Try saying, “I’d like to talk about some ideas on how to prioritize my work so that I can support all of you more efficiently”. And of course, have some ideas ready. For instance,

• Can we agree on three types of priorities?  Urgent/today  —  Can Wait/three day —  When possible/one week
• If I only have limited time and two competing priorities, should I re-prioritize on my own, or check with someone?

The goal here is to come across as someone who has identified a problem (workload), is offering solutions (prioritization) and wants help. Whatever you do, don’t ask to meet about “problems I’m having with my unrealistic work load” (even if that’s what you think). You want to be a problem solver not a whiner.

© Copyright Eva Del Rio