How should I handle differing instructions from multiple bosses?

Communicate to each of them the conflict in direction and ask them to prioritize.

Document what you do. Make a paper trail for everything. Copy each boss on anything said to/by the other. Be really annoying about it if you have to, but polite.

Confront them all and explain that you are confused about who is really in charge

I used to get the 2 people in a room together and ask which instructions you are supposed to follow. Make them figure it out and then give you clear direction.

Do what the top boss told you

Chain of command

Almost impossible, unless you have some extremely good organizational skills and are familiar with the management field of operations. When you work for managers and leaders over a number of years, you learn their temperament, and get exposure to different types of personalities. However, managing multiple bosses requires strong psychological stamina!

Bring it up with your direct supervisor and document everything.

Ask to have a meeting to discuss and come to a solution that meets in the middle of the differing instructions.

Get them all in the room to hash it out.

from the top down

Clarify the second set of instructions and ask for a rationalization between the 2.

Do what you think is right

by bringing them together to communicate simultaneously