When Your Boss Won’t Talk to You

Make Them Want To!

In our ongoing series about standing out, speaking up, and avoiding obsolescence in an AI-saturated world, another headline from the Wall Street Journal jumped out: “Your Boss Doesn’t Have Time to Talk to You.”

That’s a tough truth—but also a wake-up call.

Managers today are pulled in every direction. Time is scarce, and who do they make time for? Their high performers. If you’re not getting the attention you want, the challenge is clear: make yourself unmissable.

You might be thinking, “Sure, but that’s easier said than done.” To that I say: only if you say so. So stop saying it. Do something about it.

High Performers Aren’t Born—They’re Built

It starts with a decision. A personal commitment. Instead of waiting for your manager to change, look inward. Review your recent work and how you’ve been showing up—for your boss, your clients, and your teammates. Then ask: what needs to change?

5 Steps to Earn—and Keep—Your Boss’s Attention

Here’s a practical approach to shifting how you’re perceived:

  1. Pick One Behavior to Improve
    Look back at your last review or feedback session. What’s one behavior, if changed, that would immediately elevate how you’re seen?

  2. Experiment With It
    Growth starts with trying new things. As leadership expert Marshall Goldsmith says, “Without experimentation, there is no growth.”

  3. Declare Your Intent
    Tell your boss the behavior you’re working on. Not only does this set the expectation—it invites them to start noticing the shift.

  4. Apply It in Real Situations
    Choose three current relationships or communications where you can apply this new competency. Make sure they’re visible and impactful.

  5. Reflect and Iterate
    After each interaction, evaluate what worked and what didn’t. Use this to strengthen your approach in the next one.

Recently, I worked with a new client who was laser-focused on being seen as a high performer. He was anxious—but determined. With some coaching, he began experimenting, and he nailed it. He’s now on to his next behavior shift, building on his momentum.

If you’re ready to start changing how you’re seen—and want a guide along the way—give me a call.

Let’s make your boss want to talk to you.