Your Boss Doesn't Care About You

While some managers might disagree, the truth is - especially when you are being interviewed - that your boss doesn't care about you. They only care about how you can solve their problems.

In fact, the only way that you will be hired (or promoted) is if you are able to prove that you can indeed solve their problems. Consider the implications:

• Figure out what your manager's objectives are, and help them achieve them. If you're not sure what their objectives are, then ask.
• Unless you effectively convey your capabilities, then no one will know. Resumes, cover letters and "elevator pitches" are the usual way of doing this. But what about having your references speak up for you? What about developing your public profile within your industry (or at least, within your professional association?) And most importantly, for those within an organization, isn't actual on-the-job performance the best way of conveying capabilities?
• Don't be satisfied with doing the minimum required, but think of going the extra mile. If you consistently do this for others, then the favor will be returned.
• Think like a customer. Or rather, think of your customers. Your customers are those you serve both within the organization and outside. What can you do to upgrade the service you provide for them? What is important to them... that you can deliver really well? Developing a reputation for excellence with those you serve demonstrates expertise and capability - which can follow you to your next role.

As your relationship develops with your manager, they will care about you - and you will care about them. But developing that relationship takes time - and effort.

This week's action item: Choose one way this week to begin developing that relationship with your current manager, and your colleagues. Not by being "friendly", but by helping them solve their problems.

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Randall Craig is an expert on Career Development, Work-Life Balance, and Networking; to find out how his workshops, webinars, and keynotes can help your team or add to your event, contact him through www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com, or by email at editor@ptadvisors.com.

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Copyright © 2008 Knowledge to Action Press and Randall Craig. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: Sept 9, 2008