One of my cats recently made her feelings very clear when my partner didn’t clean the litter box fast enough… by pooping on his bed.

Effective? Sure. Productive? Not so much.

At work, we sometimes do the same thing—except instead of actual poop, we drop unfiltered complaints, frustration, or negativity onto our manager’s lap. The problem? That rarely gets us what we want.

So if you need to raise an issue at work, here are five ways to do it without metaphorically pooping on the bed:

1. Be Clear About the Problem

Instead of venting, explain the core issue in a way that makes it easy for your manager to understand and act on. Instead of saying, “Everything is overwhelming and I’m drowning,” try:
“I’m struggling with context switching between five projects, and it’s impacting my ability to focus.”

This shifts the conversation from pure frustration to something actionable.

2. Focus on Impact, Not Just Frustration

Managers are more likely to take action if they understand the bigger picture. Instead of saying, “These interruptions are so annoying,” try:
“Because of the constant interruptions, my work is taking longer, and I’m missing important details.”

Framing your problem in terms of productivity, efficiency, or quality makes it clear why it needs to be addressed.

3. Offer a Potential Solution

You don’t have to have the perfect fix, but coming in with ideas shows initiative and makes it easier for your manager to help. Instead of just saying, “I can’t get anything done,” try:
“Could we look at reprioritizing my workload or reducing unnecessary meetings?”

Managers appreciate proactive employees who think about solutions—not just problems.

4. Frame It as a Shared Goal

Make it clear you’re not just complaining—you’re invested in making things better. Instead of, “This is so unfair,” try:
“I want to make sure I’m doing my best work, and right now, this challenge is getting in the way. Here’s what would help.”

This approach encourages collaboration rather than putting your manager on the defensive.

5. Pick the Right Time and Tone

Dumping a problem on your manager mid-crisis is like dropping poop on the bed—shocking and hard to ignore, but not ideal. If possible, bring up issues proactively in a 1:1 when you both have space to think.

That said, sometimes urgent issues do come up, and it’s okay to address them in real time. Just be mindful of how and when you approach the conversation.

Takeaway

Work frustration happens. But how you communicate it can make the difference between getting real help and just making a mess. Taking a thoughtful, solutions-focused approach can help you get what you need—without unnecessary workplace drama.