My boss has called in consultants to streamline the company. He loves them, but everyone else believes that they’re ruining the business. They’re planning changes that will make our jobs impossible. My boss can’t see this. I, and others, think he’s being fleeced. Can I do anything?

Start by taking comfort in the fact that many PAs watch helplessly as bosses hand over a fortune for advice commonly found on the mottos of Christmas crackers. Yes, “brown paper reviews” and “step change improvements” send chills down the stiffest spines. There you are, enjoying your job, when you’re expected to hand over your career to someone speaking in advertising slogans.

Here, though, the problem is greater: you’re worried about your boss being stitched up, the future of the business, the impact upon your roles. Add in your loyalty and it’s no wonder that you’re itching to take action.

But ask yourself: how much of this problem is fear of change? Perhaps you just hate complete strangers telling you how to do the filing. So, will your jobs be impossible or just different? If the latter, you might have to bear the talk of there being no “I” in “team”. But if it’s the former, you have a reason to revolt.

Use colleague co-operation. If there is no confidentiality issue, sound out others who are worried, then agree to voice your concerns. If your boss is approachable, do it individually, each offering a good argument for why these changes are a problem. If he gives you the willies, do it during a staff meeting, appointing a speaker for the group. Just don’t criticise his decision or loyalties or tell him how to run his business. Instead, suggest alternative solutions to demonstrate that you want what is best. Then hope that he sees the light.

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