#Communication at the Workplace 1
Alright, so walking up to your boss for a chat can often be
hot or cold: You could either end the conversation feeling ‘elated’ about a job
well done, or a tough dose of constructive criticism could even get you into
the ‘thinking' mode! But how often do you stop by your manager’s office just to
chat?
Turns out, that there are several things you should be
addressing with your boss on a regular basis. When you take the time to talk
about these important issues, you’ll find that you’re happier with your career
and better positioned in the eyes of your boss, your team, and the company as a
whole. So, the next time you pass by your boss’s office, stop! ..and start
talking about these five things. J
1. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years
Its totally OK to discuss this even if you hope to be in a
different role or a different department in future. Infact, it can actually be
very beneficial to talk to your current boss about your career goals. At the
first instance, it may sound intimidating to discuss this with your boss, but
it can actually help create more opportunities for you in the long run.
So, you may ask ‘Why would my boss be open to my ambition to
move up or out of your current role?’ In many cases, he or she truly does want
to see you achieve your goals. Whether it means putting in a good word for you
in a different department at your current company or assigning you with special
projects that will help you build new skill sets for a different role, he/ she
would be more than willing to help.
Of course, there is a right and ‘not-so-right’ way to phrase
your goals (i.e., you don’t want to blatantly announce to your boss that you’re
hoping to jump ASAP or that you want to take over your boss’s position). Start
small by mentioning where you see yourself eventually: “I’d love to move up to
a management position someday.” If it’s received well, move on to specifically
how you can reach those goals even if it would eventually require a move to a
different department or company.
2. Your Ideas for the Company
When you’re entrenched in your work, it’s a common and
familiar mumble: “This would be so much easier if we did it my way.” But, how
often do you actually present that idea to your boss as a serious solution to a
problem?
Discussing your ideas with your boss helps you in several
ways. First, you’re showing him or her that you take initiative, that you’re
committed to improving the company, and that you truly want to make
contributions to the team. Second, you might actually get to see your idea put
in action and assuming it’s as effective and efficient as you think it is,
that’s great news for you and your team.
To make the most out of the conversation, be prepared with a
plan. Try something like, “I’ve noticed that our new hires aren’t picking up on
the new software very easily. I’d love to put together some training
documentation to help learn it a little quicker. Here’s a quick outline I put
together - what do you think?”
3. Advice for Tough Work Situations
If you view your boss as the person who only hands out
projects and performance reviews, you’ll miss out on some great advice.
Remember, your boss is a boss for a reason - he or she has been around for a
while. So, make the most of his presence to further your own career.
For example, before your boss was in his/ her current
position, he/ she was in your position, sometime in the past. So, when you come
across a challenge that you haven’t faced before, do drop by your boss’ office
to talk through the situation. Most times, he/ she would have been through a
similar situation and would be able to share some valuable advice about the
task can be handled – what to do (and also what not to do)..
And friends, we are not saying that you should lean on your
boss for every problem that pops up, but if you really can’t figure out
something on your own, why not use the valuable resource right in front of you?
4. Company and Industry Insight
Believe it or not, your boss can actually provide insight
into a lot more aspects of the industry than just your upcoming deadlines and
company values - especially if he/ she has been with the company or in the
industry for several years!
This can range from unfamiliar company processes (“what’s
the standard process to change a position title?”) to company history (“what it
was like when the company was acquired by an equity firm a few years ago?”) to
your overall industry (“how has the FMCG industry changed since you first
entered it eight years ago?”).
Whether it stems from pure curiosity or strategizing for the
future, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the inner workings of the
company or industry as a whole. You’ll gain some valuable information - and
prove that you’re there for more than just a paycheck.
5. Your Life Outside of Work
If your boss follows you on social media, you’d probably
rather figure out a way for her to know less about your personal life. But,
getting a little personal with your boss isn’t a bad thing - infact; it can
help solidify your professional relationship.
So, spill a few details about your family, your childhood,
or even just what you did over the weekend - and ask questions about his/ her
life in return. You are likely to find something in common, or share a laugh,
or at the very least relax for a few moments instead of worrying about the
status of your current project. J
So again, you don’t have to go into any extreme details or
spend hours telling each other your life stories, but connecting with your boss
on a personal level can help you feel more comfortable coming to him or her
about serious issues. You may never hang out outside of work, but that doesn’t
mean you have to avoid any sort of personal connection.
Key Point: It may not come easily at first, but try striking
up a conversation with your boss about these important issues. We hope it makes
you feel happier in your current job and also gets you closer to your career
goals. We promise, it’ll be worth it!! :)
