Are you trying to find the most polite way to ask your boss for time to talk in private?
No matter the situation, you should know how to ask your manager for time to talk.
And, of course, you’ll want to avoid sounding too pushy or rude.
Well, this article has gathered synonyms to show you how to ask for a meeting with your boss.
Is It Okay to Ask Your Boss for Time to Talk in Private?
It is okay to ask your boss for time to talk in private. It shows that you have something to share with them, but you want to share it away from prying ears.
There’s nothing wrong with approaching (or emailing) your boss to ask for their time.
They might not be free straight away. However, it’s best to be polite when you need their attention.
Most bosses will happily make time for their employees. So, if you’re direct and open, you can use this to let your boss know their private attention is required.
Pros
- It’s a polite way to show your boss you need them.
- It lets bosses know that you have something quite serious to tell them.
Cons
- It can sound a bit bizarre if your boss doesn’t know what you need them for.
- It’s a bit pushy and demanding unless you word your email appropriately.
Generally, there’s nothing wrong with asking your boss for time to talk in private. However, you should know how to do it before you actually write an email to them.
So, keep reading to learn how to ask your boss for time to talk. We’ve gathered some great alternatives to help you explore your options.
How to Ask Your Boss for Time to Talk in Private
- I would like to have a few minutes of your time in private
- Is there a convenient time to schedule a private conversation?
- Can we chat one-on-one when you have a chance?
- I’d appreciate the opportunity to talk with you privately
- May I request a brief private meeting, please?
- I have a matter I’d like to discuss with you privately
- Could we find a quiet moment to have a conversation?
- When would be a good time for you to talk in private?
- I’d like your input on a sensitive matter
1. I Would Like to Have a Few Minutes of Your Time in Private
To start with, you can ask your boss for a personal talk by saying “I would like to have a few minutes of your time in private.”
This is a great way to get your boss’s attention. It’s formal and polite, showing that you have something sensitive to say, but you can’t say it over an email or in front of others.
You should also check out this email sample to learn more:
Dear Mrs. Hyde,
I would like to have a few minutes of your time in private when you’re free.
It would be nice to talk about this with you.
All the best,
Jack Kerr
2. Is There a Convenient Time to Schedule a Private Conversation?
You can ask your boss if he is free with “is there a convenient time to schedule a private conversation?”
This formal question is a great way to learn someone’s schedule. It shows that you’d appreciate it if they could schedule you for a meeting, as you’d like to discuss something with them.
It’s direct and open, showing that you need to say something, but you can’t do it with others around.
You should review this example if you still need help with it:
Dear Mr. Wide,
Is there a convenient time to schedule a private conversation?
I’m so keen to learn from you.
Best,
Hazel Dunphy
3. Can We Chat One-On-One When You Have a Chance?
If you’re wondering how to ask your boss to talk in private, you can try “can we chat one-on-one when you have a chance?”
This helps to keep things more conversational with your boss. So, it works best when you have a good working relationship with them.
Generally, it’ll show them that you have something pressing and private to share. Your boss will be much more recipient to this if you keep things in a more friendly tone.
You should also check out this example if you need more help:
Dear Mrs. Rutherford,
Can we chat one-on-one when you have a chance?
I think you’ll be very interested in the things I’d like to say to you.
All the best,
Martin Barley
4. I’d Appreciate the Opportunity to Talk With You Privately
It’s also good to write “I’d appreciate the opportunity to talk with you privately.” This is professional and sincere, showing that you have something to say to your boss.
We highly recommend using this when you need your boss’s attention. It encourages them to hear you out and shows that you have something worth mentioning to them.
Feel free to review this email sample to learn more about it:
Dear Mr. Keane,
I’d appreciate the opportunity to talk with you privately as soon as possible.
I need to discuss this with somebody.
Thank you so much,
Tracy Randall
5. May I Request a Brief Private Meeting, Please?
If you want to know how to ask your boss for time to talk formally, you can write “may I request a brief private meeting, please?”
First of all, writing “brief” regarding the meeting shows you don’t want to take up their time.
It’s polite and friendly. It also implies that you trust your boss and would like to speak to them on a more personal and private level.
Also, check out this example to learn more about it:
Dear Mrs. Frey,
May I request a brief private meeting, please?
I’m unsure who else to talk to, so I’d really appreciate it if you could make the time.
Best regards,
Sally Wash
6. I Have a Matter I’d Like to Discuss With You Privately
Also, feel free to write “I have a matter I’d like to discuss with you privately.”
While the phrase seems quite cryptic and secretive, it works well in professional emails.
It shows that you have something sensitive to share with your employer. However, it also shows that you’re not willing to talk via email. So, it’s best to arrange a private meeting with them to say more.
Feel free to review this example to learn more:
Dear Ms. Austen,
I have a matter I’d like to discuss with you privately.
When are you free to go through this with me?
Yours,
Taylor Wall
7. Could We Find a Quiet Moment to Have a Conversation?
You might also find it useful to write “could we find a quiet moment to have a conversation?” in your professional emails.
This lets your boss know that you’d like to meet with them in private. However, it also shows that you’re in no rush to meet, and they can take their time to arrange it.
This keeps things quite respectful with your boss. It shows that you appreciate how busy their schedule is, so you’re happy to wait for them to be free before you meet to discuss anything.
Also, this email sample should help you to understand it:
Dear Miss Gear,
Could we find a quiet moment to have a conversation, please?
I’d like to talk to you about this, as I know I can trust you.
Thank you so much,
Harrison Stone
8. When Would Be a Good Time for You to Talk in Private?
Another great choice in your emails is “when would be a good time for you to talk in private?”
This allows your boss to dictate their time. It shows that they’re in control of their own schedule, and you’re happy to hear when they’re free to see what you can learn from them.
It’s polite and direct. Generally, this is a great way to stay in your boss’s good books when you need their attention for something.
Feel free to review this email example if you still need help:
Dear Mr. Kingston,
When would be a good time for you to talk in private?
I’m certain you’ll want to hear what I have to say.
All the best,
Maxwell Foyer
9. I’d Like Your Input on a Sensitive Matter
You can also write “I’d like your input on a sensitive matter” when asking your boss for time to talk in private.
It’s a great way to keep things humble and formal. It shows that you have something serious and sensitive to talk about.
Usually, suggesting that something is “sensitive” means you don’t want to speak where others can hear you.
Your boss will respect that and meet with you privately to find out what you want to say.
Here’s a great email sample if you still need help understanding it:
Dear Mr. Brighton,
I’d like your input on a sensitive matter if that’s okay.
Please let me know when you have time to meet in private.
Thank you so much,
Millie Keane