Ask Capita: Manager provides vague directions and inconsistent priorities.
I work in the licensing department for a music publishing company. My manager is a visionary but lacks organizational clarity. I constantly receive vague assignments like "make this license deal more strategic" or "prioritize better." Their priorities change daily, causing my team to waste time pursuing projects that get scrapped. I want to look competent and support their vision, but I’m burnt out from the constant context switching and lack of clear direction. How can I "manage up" to get the specific direction I need without seeming like I’m questioning their leadership? —Strategy Seeker
This week’s response was prepared by Queer Capita Board Member, Hector Rosario.
The Challenge of the "Visionary" Boss
Hi Strategy Seeker,
Understanding how to prioritize in fast-paced environments can be challenging, especially when you work for someone whose management style is different than your own.
You want to communicate.
Solution-Oriented Communication.
What solutions can you offer? Being solution-oriented shows leadership; it shows caring. It conveys a sense of taking initiative. I would challenge you to ask: what solutions and options can you present to get your manager's buy-in and help your process become smoother, less taxing, and a time-saver?
It might be as simple as saying something like, "you know, since priorities move so quickly. Would it be helpful if we filter projects based on two or three specific standing criteria?"
3 Criteria for Strategic Prioritization.
Are we to prioritize based on revenue impact? Is priority about artist exposure? Or about urgency? By clarifying that up front, you'll be aligned when things shift. Gears and priorities are always shifting in the workplace, so it's important you have a good grasp on where the key projects are.
Moving from Conflict to Collaboration.
Remember, it's about collaboration. Collaborate with your manager. Finding a happy medium where you can be passionate about your concerns and also get the clarity you need in order to do your job effectively.
Most problems stem from a lack of communication. So communicate, communicate, communicate, and collaborate.
—Hector
How to get clear direction from your manager:
Present solutions, not just problems: Offer options to get immediate buy-in.
Establish standing criteria: Filter projects by revenue impact, artist exposure, or urgency.
Over-communicate: Use frequent collaboration to stay aligned when priorities shift.
Frame it as a time-saver: Show how clarity helps the manager’s vision succeed faster.
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