Juggling Too Many Bosses? Here’s How to Handle Conflicting Priorities Without Losing Your Cool
“The art of communication is the language of leadership.” – James Humes
Imagine this: You’re halfway through replying to an important email when your phone buzzes with a message from your team lead. “Can you jump on this client task right now?” You pause. Just five minutes ago, your department head asked you to prep a report for tomorrow’s meeting. Both sound urgent. You try to do both—but end up dropping the ball on the first task. The result? Confusion, frustration, and damage control.
Sound familiar?
If you've ever felt stuck between two (or more) bosses, unclear priorities, and the fear of disappointing someone no matter what you do, you’re not alone. This happens all the time in the workplace, especially in environments with cross-functional teams, dotted-line reporting, or matrix structures. It’s not just interns who get caught in this juggling act—seasoned professionals do too. So how do you handle it without burning out, dropping tasks, or getting caught in the middle?
Understand the Real Problem Isn’t the Task—It’s the Silence
In a recent scenario, an intern was assigned a task by one manager, and before they even started, another manager gave them a different task. The intern jumped on the second one and didn’t finish the first. The second manager eventually learned about the first task but didn’t follow up. The result? The first task didn’t get done, and everyone looked around wondering what happened.
This wasn’t a failure of ability. It was a failure of communication.
Too often, when we feel pulled in different directions, we stay quiet and just try to power through. We think, “If I just move fast enough, I can do it all.” But that silence causes problems. Your managers aren’t mind readers. If you don’t speak up, they won’t know you’re being stretched or asked to pivot from another commitment.
Pause and Communicate: The Power of Checking In
Here’s what could have changed the game in that scenario—and what you can start doing right now.
Step one: When a new task comes in, and you’ve already got something on your plate, pause. Instead of jumping into action, say something like, “Thanks for the task—just to clarify, I was just assigned another project by [Manager A]. Would you like me to switch to this one now, and could you help me loop them in?”
Step two: Call or message the first manager and say, “Hey, I was just asked to work on something urgent by [Manager B]. I want to make sure we’re aligned—would it be okay if I tackle that first and then circle back to your task after, or would you prefer to talk with [Manager B] directly?”
Simple. Clear. Respectful. And it brings your managers into the same conversation so they can decide the priorities—not leave you in the middle guessing.
Don’t Try to Be a Hero—Be a Bridge
One mistake we often make, especially early in our careers, is thinking that handling everything ourselves makes us look competent. We don’t want to “bother” our bosses with the details, or we’re afraid of sounding like we’re making excuses. But here’s the truth: good managers want clarity. They don’t want to find out later that something fell through the cracks. They want to know what’s happening so they can adjust, communicate with each other, and set you up for success.
Being the bridge between managers doesn’t mean you’re overstepping—it means you’re taking responsibility for your workload and making sure things stay on track.
Practice These Habits to Stay Aligned and Avoid the Chaos
Keep a running list of current tasks. This gives you a quick reference to help you prioritize when something new comes in.
Always clarify deadlines and urgency. Don’t assume every “Can you do this?” means “right now.” A quick “When do you need this by?” can save you from last-minute stress.
Use your calendar wisely. Block out time for important tasks so others can see your availability—and you don’t accidentally overbook yourself.
Don’t be afraid to say, “Let me check.” Taking a moment to assess what’s already on your plate is not weakness—it’s leadership.
Loop in your managers. Whenever possible, let them communicate with each other about priorities. You don’t need to carry that weight alone.
Lead from Where You Are
Leadership isn’t about job titles—it’s about how you respond when things get messy. Speaking up when priorities clash shows maturity. Helping your bosses get on the same page shows emotional intelligence. And staying focused on outcomes, not just effort, makes you stand out.
No matter your role, you can model clear communication, take ownership of your time, and make life easier for everyone around you. That’s what leadership looks like in real life.
So the next time you’re caught between two requests, don’t freeze, and don’t rush. Just pause. Communicate. And lead with clarity.
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Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss
If you've ever found yourself stuck between two managers giving you tasks at the same time—unsure who to prioritize or how to communicate—you need Managing Up by Mary Abbajay on your bookshelf. This book is a powerhouse guide for anyone navigating the complexities of working with multiple bosses, personalities, and leadership styles.
Abbajay doesn’t just offer generic advice—she gives you real-world tools to help you understand your boss’s preferences, communicate more clearly, and set yourself up for success regardless of who’s in charge. Her approach is empowering, practical, and refreshingly relatable. Whether you’re dealing with a hands-off supervisor or a micromanager, Managing Up helps you move from confusion to confidence.
Just like in the blog scenario where the intern dropped a task due to unclear communication between managers, Abbajay’s wisdom reminds us that leadership isn’t just about managing others—it’s also about managing relationships with those above you. That’s where growth really happens.
If you want to take control of your career, avoid missteps, and become a stronger communicator, grab your copy of Managing Up today—and don’t forget to subscribe to the EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter for weekly insights to keep you leveling up.
