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My Boss Wastes Time Chit-Chatting, What Do I Do? (Ask Christa! S7E79)
Summary
In this episode, Christa answers a listener question about how to protect focus when a caring, supportive boss frequently stops by for casual chit-chat. The episode explains why even well-intended interruptions can disrupt momentum, how to frame the conversation using impact and behavior without making the boss feel criticized, and what to do when a manager may be more defensive or less receptive to feedback.
Key Takeaways
· A great boss can still have habits that make it harder to do focused work.
· Feedback lands better when it names the behavior, impact, and needed change.
· Visual signals, focus blocks, and proactive updates help protect deep work.
· For defensive bosses, frame the issue around workflow, priorities, and reducing task-switching rather than their interruptive behavior.
Additional Resources
Ask Christa! “Ask Christa! How Can I Ask My Co-Worker to Quit the Chit Chat? (…,” October 1, 2025. https://www.askchrista.com/ask-christa-how-can-i-ask-my-co-worker-to-quit-the-chit-chat-s4e45/.
Green, Alison. “How Can I Make My Boss Stop Talking to Me When I’M Trying to Work?” Inc, January 12, 2016. https://www.inc.com/alison-green/how-can-i-make-my-boss-stop-talking-to-me-when-i-m-trying-to-work.html.
Shelly, Jared. “10 Ways to Shutdown Office Chatter and Actually Get Work Done.” Convene, October 4, 2023. https://convene.com/catalyst/office/shutdown-office-chatter/.
Music licensed through Soundstripe
Code: RZIFQ0ROJGMTDMVL
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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact
© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.
I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.
Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/
Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.
View all episodes
By Christa Dhimo, D.B.A, M.B.A., M.Sc.M
3.5
22 ratings
Summary
In this episode, Christa answers a listener question about how to protect focus when a caring, supportive boss frequently stops by for casual chit-chat. The episode explains why even well-intended interruptions can disrupt momentum, how to frame the conversation using impact and behavior without making the boss feel criticized, and what to do when a manager may be more defensive or less receptive to feedback.
Key Takeaways
· A great boss can still have habits that make it harder to do focused work.
· Feedback lands better when it names the behavior, impact, and needed change.
· Visual signals, focus blocks, and proactive updates help protect deep work.
· For defensive bosses, frame the issue around workflow, priorities, and reducing task-switching rather than their interruptive behavior.
Additional Resources
Ask Christa! “Ask Christa! How Can I Ask My Co-Worker to Quit the Chit Chat? (…,” October 1, 2025. https://www.askchrista.com/ask-christa-how-can-i-ask-my-co-worker-to-quit-the-chit-chat-s4e45/.
Green, Alison. “How Can I Make My Boss Stop Talking to Me When I’M Trying to Work?” Inc, January 12, 2016. https://www.inc.com/alison-green/how-can-i-make-my-boss-stop-talking-to-me-when-i-m-trying-to-work.html.
Shelly, Jared. “10 Ways to Shutdown Office Chatter and Actually Get Work Done.” Convene, October 4, 2023. https://convene.com/catalyst/office/shutdown-office-chatter/.
Music licensed through Soundstripe
Code: RZIFQ0ROJGMTDMVL
---------------------
Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact
© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.
I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.
Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/
Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.