2-3-4 Friday: It's not your fault

1 thought

If you’re struggling at your job, it may not be entirely about you. 

Surprise, surprise. 

 

It may be because of your supervisor. For any effective work to happen, you need to manage your boss. In other words, supervise your supervisor. Why? Because sometimes, your supervisor doesn’t know how to manage you. You need to help him. You may think it’s not your role to manage your boss…

 

But if you don’t, who will? Your work is your responsibility. And whatever affects your work… is your responsibility. 

 

Here are 4 things you need from your boss. 

1. Clear and reasonable expectations, with specific guidelines and a timetable
2. The skills, tools and resources needed to meet those expectations or an acknowledgement that you’re asked to meet these expectations without them 
3. Accurate and honest feedback about your performance and how to adjust when things go wrong 
4. The recognition and rewards in exchange for the performance 

How do you get them? You ask for them. Every week, even if it’s just for 15 minutes, take time to arrange a 1-1 with your boss. Address:

1. What you’re doing 
2. Challenges 
3. Where you need help with 

1 talk 

Undermanagement can be difficult to identify. After all, everyone at work is surrounded by metrics and meetings all the time.

It may seem like management is ever-present. But what is missing in most workplaces is the human element of management: managers providing direct reports with the guidance, direction, support and coaching that they need to succeed. 

 

- Bruce Tulgan, The Undermanagement Epidemic 2019: Why Is One-on-One Guidance, Support, and Coaching So Often Missing Today?

1 tip

Many tell us that they find it difficult to talk to their bosses and get clear instructions of what is needed in the work, and how to do the work. Ask for what you need. Really. 

So many times, I’ve complained. Until one day my mentor asked, 

Have you even asked? 

I sheepishly replied, ‘Um… no.’ 

 

Ask. Say you’re really struggling. And if your boss still doesn’t listen, then you should start finding another boss. 

 

Psst… just for you. We keep hearing people struggling with talking to their bosses and getting the help they need. That’s why we are launching ‘Overcome! - Overcoming Overwhelm and Overload at Work’ - check it out.

I hope you like it :)

 

John