Boss Talk & Bullet Points (Issue #35)
Crack the code on workplace communication + mental health reminders that matter
📌 Tip of the Week
Here are some important May reminders:
All Month Long - Mental Health Awareness Month
May 4th - Star Wars Day (hope you didn’t forget to celebrate!)
May 6th - National Teachers Day (that’s today—thank a teacher!)
May 12th - International Nurses Day (we ❤️ you)
May 15th - Accessibility Awareness Day
May 26th - Memorial Day
Want to keep up on key dates throughout the year, get your hands on the free leadership calendar template!
Quote of the month:
“Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It’s about one life influencing another” —John C. Maxwell
Is your boss speaking another language?
How to understand your boss’s communication style
They say potato, you say potato. (insert different inflections here)
You’re not imagining things—sometimes it really does feel like you and your boss are speaking entirely different languages. Whether you're getting bullet-point texts while you crave backstory or you’re writing a novel-length Slack and getting a 👍 in return... communication styles can make or break how effective (and sane) you feel at work.
Here’s how to start decoding the dialect of leadership:
1. Keep an eye out for patterns
Is your boss a “just the facts” kind of person, or someone who needs the story behind the data? Do they light up in brainstorms or prefer a plan before the pitch? Observing how they respond to different types of communication gives you major clues.
Pro tip: If they constantly ask for “the bottom line,” lead with it next time.
2. Adapt to the conversation
Adapting doesn’t mean abandoning your voice—it means meeting in the middle. Think of it as being bilingual. You get your point across and make it easier for them to hear it.
Example: If they prefer emails with bullet points and you’re more of a narrative thinker, use bullets AND add a quick sentence or two at the top to give it context. Win-win.
3. Ask directly (Yes, really)
It might sound scary, but a simple “Hey, I want to make sure I’m communicating the way that works best for you. Do you prefer updates in email, Slack, or quick chats?” goes a long way.
Boss move: Showing that you care about effective communication is a leadership move in itself.
4. It’s more than words
Communication isn’t just what they say, it’s how they say it. Are they more visual? Do they need time to process before replying? Pay attention to non-verbal cues and follow their lead where it makes sense.
Bonus: It’ll help you with other stakeholders too.
❤️ A quick thank you to all our readers, especially those who have reached out even to just ‘check-in’. Big life changes can either stop you in your tracks or pull you back just enough to propel you forward. Thank you for your support. ❤️
Wellness Corner
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is a time for reflection—it’s also Mental Health Awareness month.
This month, we’re leaning into the theme: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Here’s your gentle reminder: your well-being isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership skill. When you’re running on empty, everyone feels it. When you’re grounded, present, and taking care of yourself, your team benefits too.
Tip of the Month:
Schedule one “mental health moment” into your week. Whether it’s a 10-minute walk, journaling session, therapy appointment, or simply saying no to something that drains you.
Block it like a meeting.
Honor it like a priority.
Taking care of yourself is one of the most responsible, strategic things you can do.
Until next time, stay well
~Colleen