OFW guide: Are your bosses being too nosy?

You can choose a job but not the people you will be working with. Sometimes you will get a fantastic boss who supports you all the way and motivates you to do your work better. However, you might also be assigned to a boss who might pry too much in your personal life. While bosses do have a right to be "nosy" or ask you questions when it comes to matters affecting your work, they must also draw the line — knowing what they can ask and what they shouldn't. The information site “E How” compiled a list of suggestions on how to deal with a nosy boss: (1) Increase your performance Are you always late, absent, or underperforming? If you answered yes to any of these three questions, then your boss has the right to be nosy. Your boss needs to know what problems you might be having that could be affecting your performance at work. If you wouldn't want to discuss these personal problems with your boss, it would be good to raise your productivity. Once your boss has recognizes what you can do for the company, he will be confident about your work and wouldn't have to ask about your problems. (2) Draw the line Some friendly bosses may ask about personal stuff out of genuine concern. However, you don't have to reveal personal matters to your boss if you don't want to. If you don't want to share personal issues or problems with your boss, politely say so. Everyone's right to privacy must be respected. (3) Talk privately Sometimes, a little private talk would help improve your relationship with your boss. Do not to be confrontational when you talk with your boss. Simply explain your side in a calm and collected manner. Be honest as you explain yourself freely. While you might feel he is being nosy, he might think otherwise. However, he will mostly take a step or two back if you politely tell him that you feel he is being nosy. However, listen carefully also if your boss explains his reasons for asking you questions, ie. how the company's output is affected by your poor attendance. (4) Remind your boss When your private meeting with your boss fails to bear fruit, defend yourself by reminding your boss not to be nosy. "After you've confronted your boss, express your feelings if the boss again meddles when you think it is inappropriate. If you can give real life examples of the nosiness, that can help you break the cycle," the article said. Tell your boss that his nosiness is hampering your performance at work. (5) Get a third party involved If your problem with your boss persists, contact the human resources department or another company executive. "Mediation from a third party can help clear the air and resolve the issues between you and your boss," the article stated. However, before you call the higher-ups, be sure that your boss is really being annoying and nosy about personal matters because when it comes to work, he has all the right in the world to be nosy. - VVP, GMA News