What do you do if your boss in the mobile communications sector is not responding to your messages?

1 Check your expectations

The first thing you need to do is to check your own expectations and assumptions. Is your boss really ignoring you, or are they just busy, traveling, or dealing with an emergency? How urgent is your message, and how long have you been waiting for a reply? What is the usual communication style and frequency between you and your boss? Sometimes, you may be overreacting or expecting too much from your boss, especially if you are new to the role or the sector. Try to be realistic and respectful of your boss's time and priorities, and don't take it personally if they don't respond immediately.

3 Escalate if necessary

Sometimes, you may have a valid reason to escalate the issue if your boss is not responding to your messages. For example, if you have an urgent deadline, a client issue, a major problem, or a decision that requires their approval or input. In that case, you can contact someone higher up in the hierarchy, such as your boss's boss, a senior manager, or a director. You can also inform your boss that you have done so, and why, to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts. However, be careful not to do this too often or for trivial matters, as it may undermine your boss's authority and trust.

4 Follow up and give feedback

Once you get a response from your boss, make sure to follow up and give feedback. Thank them for their reply, acknowledge their reasons for not responding earlier, and update them on the status of the issue or task. You can also use this opportunity to clarify any expectations or preferences for future communication. For example, you can ask your boss how often they want to hear from you, what channels they prefer to use, what information they need from you, and how they want to handle emergencies or urgent situations. By doing this, you can improve your communication and relationship with your boss, and avoid any frustration or confusion.

5 Seek alternatives or solutions

Finally, if your boss is consistently not responding to your messages, and you have tried everything else, you may want to seek alternatives or solutions. For example, you can ask for more autonomy or responsibility, so that you don't have to rely on your boss's approval or input for every task. You can also look for other sources of support or guidance, such as your peers, mentors, coaches, or online resources. You can also talk to your boss openly and honestly, and express your concerns and needs, and see if you can work out a mutually agreeable communication plan. If nothing works, you may have to consider changing your role, team, or employer, if you feel that your boss is affecting your performance, satisfaction, or career growth.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?