All employees (no matter their job title) should be careful not to gossip about their employers or they risk their employers hearing about the gossip.
Ms. Merchant Geissler recommends the following when speaking to your employers about a problem:
Focus on positive results. Believe that everyone’s needs can be met in a satisfactory way. There are solutions that can work for everyone. The challenge is to honor everyone involved in the communication and to be open to all possibilities.
Talk honestly about your feelings and concerns. You have a right to express your feelings but do so without accusing others or making others feel they are wrong. Take a few moments so that you can state your feelings clearly and directly without being overly emotional.
Develop an inquiring attitude. Ask open ended questions — not statements hidden within questions. For example, “Why do you always so that?”
Use “I” statements. Avoid defensive reactions by coming from your own personal experience. Instead of beginning with accusations that begin with “you,” shift the tone by stating how you feel. For example, “When I heard what you did, I felt angry because I felt like my input was ignored.”
Paraphrase and use expanders. For example you might say, “You felt sad. Tell me more.” This conveys understanding, interest, and inquiry.
End on a positive note. Always end conversations with parents by thanking them for their time and effort for participating in the communication process.

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