jerrytz
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 10, 2012
- 5,975
- 4,266
Bosses too often keep their opinions to themselves. Sure, they conduct performance reviews of every employee – but only in their heads. Why? Well, some worry that candid feedback takes too much time away from "real work." Others fear that such conversations will be uncomfortable or "unkind."
That being said, this article is about those situations where candid feedback is not forthcoming, as is too often the case, and it proposes three quick questions to help approximate what your boss is probably thinking of you.
1) Am I aligned with the team's mission and values?
Now, "alignment" may sound like an academic word HOWEVER Alignment takes the grind out of the game of business. It means everyone, no matter what level they are or position they hold, is on the same page about where the organization is strategically headed, and the behaviors that are required from each person to get it there, such as, say, great customer service, speed to market, or innovation.
Unfortunately, many of us know what an unaligned team or company looks like. Everyone operating with a different agenda. By contrast, in an aligned organization, everyone shares – and demonstrates -- a common purpose.
2) Am I contributing to an atmosphere of truth and trust?
All good bosses know that their organizations work more productively when there's a healthy culture, one where people say what they mean, and do what they say. Sure, sometimes bosses give free pass to the jerks that don't, usually because they're star performers. Ultimately, however, bosses value employees who show integrity by always seeking and speaking the truth, and always acting in ways that enhance transparency and confidence.
Do you meet that standard?
3) Am I delivering results, or over-delivering?
Look, there was a time when giving your boss what he or she asked for was enough. Your company would say, "Sell 200 widgets by March 1," and you did. But competition today is too fierce for such "check box" behavior. Instead of selling X product by Y date, you need to think about ways to sell more and different products through new channels, and sooner than anyone could imagine. You need to think about you job in ways that make it bigger, and with your output, make your organization smarter and more successful. That's over-delivering.
Enjoy your day
That being said, this article is about those situations where candid feedback is not forthcoming, as is too often the case, and it proposes three quick questions to help approximate what your boss is probably thinking of you.
1) Am I aligned with the team's mission and values?
Now, "alignment" may sound like an academic word HOWEVER Alignment takes the grind out of the game of business. It means everyone, no matter what level they are or position they hold, is on the same page about where the organization is strategically headed, and the behaviors that are required from each person to get it there, such as, say, great customer service, speed to market, or innovation.
Unfortunately, many of us know what an unaligned team or company looks like. Everyone operating with a different agenda. By contrast, in an aligned organization, everyone shares – and demonstrates -- a common purpose.
2) Am I contributing to an atmosphere of truth and trust?
All good bosses know that their organizations work more productively when there's a healthy culture, one where people say what they mean, and do what they say. Sure, sometimes bosses give free pass to the jerks that don't, usually because they're star performers. Ultimately, however, bosses value employees who show integrity by always seeking and speaking the truth, and always acting in ways that enhance transparency and confidence.
Do you meet that standard?
3) Am I delivering results, or over-delivering?
Look, there was a time when giving your boss what he or she asked for was enough. Your company would say, "Sell 200 widgets by March 1," and you did. But competition today is too fierce for such "check box" behavior. Instead of selling X product by Y date, you need to think about ways to sell more and different products through new channels, and sooner than anyone could imagine. You need to think about you job in ways that make it bigger, and with your output, make your organization smarter and more successful. That's over-delivering.
Enjoy your day