When working with an inexperienced or forgetful manager, it’s sometimes helpful to report frequently, but tactfully and informally, on progress and plans: “Her

When working with an inexperienced or forgetful manager, it’s sometimes helpful to report frequently, but tactfully and informally, on progress and plans: “Here’s the memorandum on those design changes. I’m still working on the cost analysis for the Acme proposal and expect to finish late tomorrow. I might not get to the intermodulation study until Monday; can it still wait until then?” This reminds the manager of the assignments, reassures that they haven’t been forgotten, and offers the option to change priorities or reassign tasks. A good manager shouldn’t need subordinates to take the initiative like this, of course, but any reasonable manager should appreciate being kept informed.