One of the generally accepted office taboos is to never go over your boss’ head to get something done. Doing so can often come with an array of consequences, such as getting on your boss’ bad side. However, there may be some instances in which it is necessary to talk to your manager's boss. For instance, you might need to warn them of some form of illegal or unethical activity happening within the company or inform them that a lack of action by your boss is having an adverse effect on performance.

Here are some suggestions on how to effectively pursue this office no-no. You are likely to get some time in the office penalty box for doing this, but jumping the chain of command may also have some positive impacts on your career advancement.

It is crucial to document all communication regarding your higher-level inquiries -- every step of the way. Keep logs of all e-mails, memos and phone calls that relate to the issue at hand. Furthermore, never go straight to the top; when the opportunity to do so arrives, you will be better situated if you can show that you have been trying to achieve results on your own without success. For example, if you wish to develop a full project plan or a presentation for a new idea or concept, start with proposing the idea to your boss first. Suggest that you will work on it during the off-hours or on weekends, and obtain some form of clearance to do so. Once the go-ahead is given, carefully craft your presentation and document all communication along the way so that you have all your bases covered.

You can proceed by first e-mailing your manager and then following up to ask if he has shared it with his boss or if a time could be arranged for a presentation with the two of them. If the item is never specifically addressed, and if you feel confident in the business prospects of your idea, you can take the plunge and bring it to your boss’ boss.

Companies typically have formal procedures for jumping the chain of command. These, however, are primarily reserved for reporting serious legal or ethical violations. Certainly, from a business idea or career advancement standpoint, the time will come to take the formal route for presenting your ideas. Look before you leap and conduct some informal homework on your principle so it does not take anyone by surprise. Avoid activities that can appear to be discreet or that make you look like a brownnoser, such as trying to arrange a lunch with your boss’ boss behind his back -- this could easily backfire, and you might never get your chance to present to the powers that be.

At office gatherings or parties, try having a light chat with your boss’ boss about the needs and direction of the company. People, regardless of rank, are more likely to share openly at a fun-filled event than at a rigid departmental meeting. Keeping your introductory discussions informal will help provide you with valuable information about your idea and its relevance to the company. For instance, in doing this preliminary research without burning bridges or spending your political capital, you may learn that your idea has no place. This may be a disappointment, but it is certainly less embarrassing than assuming you have the panacea to your company’s woes. Additionally, since you will likely learn a great deal more about what is going on in the company by listening, you may be introduced to a new idea or given the informal green light to take on a special after-hours project that will give you a chance to prove your worth.

Many business ventures or activities do not succeed because they are emotionally charged. For instance, you may be a believer to the depths of your soul that your idea is the salvation of the company, but without documented facts and analysis, you will have a hard time convincing anyone of your position. Additionally, if you choose to take a risk by going over your boss’ head, acting emotionally or out of revenge will be easily identified.

Make sure you always stick to the facts and have hard data to back up your statements. You may not be listened to, but at least nobody will be able to say that you were not prepared or that you are simply making things up to prove your case. Those items alone will help you garner respect and political capital that you can perhaps use later. Also, before acting, consider the entire picture. Think to yourself how this action will look to those looking on the outside. For instance, if you just had a widely publicized disagreement with your boss, going over his head is likely not an option at this time. Even if your position is impeccably presented and justified, it would be too easy for someone to interpret your ambition as vengeance toward your supervisor.

Of course, even adhering to all of the points above is not a surefire way to get your voice heard. However, regardless of what grounds you choose to take action on, when you make your move, do your best to keep it official and check with the human resources department about proper procedure. Following protocol will likely give your case more merit and, in the event it does backfire, at least you can get some credit for doing it openly and directly.

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