08/07/2024
Keys to Successfully Working With Your Boss.
As you read through these six keys, consider the extent that they apply to the relationship you have with your boss.
1. KEEP THEM INFORMED. NO SURPRISES!
Never surprise your boss. Your job is to keep them in the loop with everything important to them. Ask them the extent that they wish to be kept up to date on each major project or delegated task, and then follow through. Learn their preferences in sending and receiving information so you can gauge your methods of communicating. Bosses are primarily "readers or "Listeners"
2. CONSISTENTLY BE HONEST, TRUTHFUL AND RELIABLE.
-Earning your boss’s trust is indispensable! When your boss knows they can COUNT ON YOU, the most critical, engaging, and career-building work gets sent your way. The first step in building this trust is to follow through with your commitments. Develop a SOLID reputation of reliability through your actions–not just your words.
Do what you say you will, and be consistent. Be upfront with bad news and don’t fudge the truth. When mistakes are made, especially if you made the mistake, let your boss know in a timely manner so alternate plans can be put into action.
3. LEARN THEIR GOALS AND PRIORITIES
In order to work successfully with your boss, it is imperative you understand the immediate goals they need to achieve in order to be successful in their role as a leader.
When you make it a point to know how your work enables your boss to meet their goals, you will know how you can support them and anticipate their needs.
Pay attention to what your boss is held accountable for by their boss so that you understand their agenda. Knowing how your boss gets evaluated provides you insight into how to prioritize your own work.
4. CLARIFY THEIR EXPECTATIONS
Knowing your boss’s clear expectations of you is imperative. Being on the same page with your boss determines your success or failure. Too often I have found that people assume that they have clarified assignments with their boss, but in the end, each had a different view. Assumptions are dangerous. Clarity is essential.
5. LISTEN TO THEM
Your boss needs you to listen! If you fail at this, then you invite a communication breakdown. Aside from taking in the information your boss shares with you, successful listening includes the essential skill of carefully tuning into their nonverbal signals. Studies on communication suggest that 80% of all communication represents everything that is nonverbal including reading eyes, face, tone, mood, pace, urgency, dress, body language, energy, and many more signals that indicate your boss’s emotional state.
6. VALUE THEIR TIME
The one limiting resource that we all have is time. Respect your boss’s time by being selective in taking it.In general, strive to be concise and time-conscious. Use your emotional intelligence and non-verbal communication skills to sense their mood.