How to Take a Problem to Your Manager (without just dumping it)
How to Take a Problem to Your Manager (Without Just Dumping It)
By Who in the Zoo Recruitment
Taking problems to your manager is inevitable. The skill is in how you do it.
Done wrong: You overload your manager and make it their problem.
Done right: You build trust, show ownership, and get faster decisions.
The Wrong Way
“Here’s the problem… what do you want me to do?”
This approach shifts responsibility entirely onto your manager, which doesn’t help anyone.
The Right Way
When escalating, focus on:
Showing ownership of the issue
Sharing what you’ve tried so far
Offering solutions and a point of view (POV)
This helps your manager decide, not do.
Checklist Before You Escalate
Before reaching out, ask yourself:
Have I tried to solve this myself?
Can I present options with pros and cons?
Do I know what I recommend and why?
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How to Frame the Escalation
When you do escalate, structure it like this:
Facts: 1–2 sentences of what happened
What you tried: Steps you’ve already taken
Options: Realistic choices with pros and cons
Your POV: “I’m leaning toward X because…”
Timing: How long you have to act
Example Framework:
“Here’s the situation: [facts].
I’ve tried [steps].
We could [Option A] or [Option B]… here are the tradeoffs.
I recommend [X] because [reason].
We need to decide by [date].”
Why This Works
Saves your manager time
Shows you’ve done the work
Builds trust and credibility
Gets faster decisions
If You Want to Do This in Email
Subject: Escalation: [brief issue]
Hi [Manager],
[Facts – 1–2 sentences]
[What you tried]
[Options with pros and cons]
[Your recommendation]
[Timing/urgency]
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Smart escalation = faster decisions, more trust, less stress.
Save this framework for the next time you hit a roadblock. Share it with a friend, and comment with your additional tips!
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