How to nail down a flaky boss

Q. Our CEO changes his mind constantly. After we agree on a project, he’ll come back to me a day or two later with a different plan. How can I pin him down? —L.G., South Carolina

A. First, arrange to have a colleague present when the CEO approves a plan or reiterates it in a staff meeting. That way, the boss knows you won’t be the only one who’s aware of his indecisiveness. Second, send him an e-mail or memo right after your discussion that outlines what he’s agreed to, and include a line such as “If I don’t hear differently by Wednesday, I will follow through on the project as defined above.” Don’t proceed until that waiting period expires. Seeing what he agreed to in writing may lead him to stick to his original plan.