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How To Think Like A Boss (About Promotions & Complaints)
Have you ever wondered:
- How bosses decide on promotions?
- What’s the best way to talk to your boss about a new service or speeding up a process?
- Do you know what they consider the top 4 soft skills?
- Do you know what you complain about the most?
I asked executives in various industries a series of questions. Their summarized answers below will give insight into how they view the same situations you look at. Take an objective look at your performance, behaviour, attitude and communication to see how you measure up to what they are expecting.
To Be Considered For A Promotion
First you must show that you have taken on more responsibilities, demonstrated potential and performed over and beyond your job description, be organized, and a self-starter. In addition, they look at your relationships with other departments, your knowledge of the company and your commitment to it, your personal brand and how you are regarded by your peers and management.
Complaints, Requests, Suggestions or Ideas For New Service
A complaint is something that you want to address immediately so face-to-face will expedite that. First, attempt to resolve it with the concerned party. If not successful, discuss the issue with your boss on how to resolve. If there is a recommendation to prevent a situation happening again, have it in writing. Discuss your request face-to-face with your boss if it is of a personal nature. Otherwise, do so either verbally or in writing, depending on your comfort level. Provide a reason for the request, its impact and benefits.
If you have a suggestion to improve a process, submit it in writing and be prepared to do a presentation if needed. State why the process needs to be improved, the impact of its change on people, departments, equipment, time, and the cost involved during the course of change and how it will impact the end result.
If you have ideas for new product or service, submit them in writing and be prepared to do a presentation and show how each is aligned with current services and products of the organization. Explain how it benefits the organization, the clients and the community.They want to know if similar products or services are offered in the market, what resources are needed and who are the competitors and other providers. Suggestions must be workable, creative and beneficial to the company.
Same Concerns
Believe it or not, the bosses share some of the same concerns you have.
They know that they don't always communicate down enough and that a formal process to do so is needed.
The most common complaints they hear from those who report to them about employees are grooming and how customers are treated. What they hear from employees about their bosses are concerns about favouritism.
The 4 Top Soft Skills Listed By bosses
Written and verbal communication, listening, presentation skills, relationship management.
Other Qualities and Abilities Bosses Look For In Employees
- Listen before responding and be a clear communicator
- Take ownership, have self-leadership and be aware of own strengths & weaknesses
- Have hustle and ambition, be eager to learn and develop new skills
- Must not be clock watchers or be egocentric or have the attitude of ‘not my job’
- Personal goals should align with company goals,
- Have organizational skills, decision-making skills and know how to prioritize
- Able to give and earn respect
Take an honest look at your performance, attitude, mindset to see how you measure up to what’s expected of you. How did you do? Better than you expected? Adopt a boss mindset and use this blueprint to plot a path to career success.
Excerpt from ABC For The Workplace by Gloria Pierre
Gloria Pierre
AUTHOR
Gloria Pierre, seasoned communication expert, is the President of Clearly Speaking, where she leverages her skills and experience to guide business professionals towards improved communication and accent reduction. Her profound belief, "How you communicate is how you are perceived", fuels her passion to help individuals create the positive impression they aspire to make.
Gloria is also an accomplished author, producing resources that perfectly complement the training offered at Clearly Speaking. These works include "ABC for the Workplace", "ABC’s Of Networking", "ABC for Speakers & Presenters", "(K)New Words", "An English Guide to Pronunciation" and "Mispronounced & Misunderstood".
Throughout her career, Gloria continues to win the hearts of her clients, which range from entrepreneurs and job seekers to supervisors and managers, through her unique, comprehensive approach to verbal and non-verbal communication. Her teachings not only improve presentation skills but effectively diminish workplace conflict while increasing overall productivity. For more of Gloria’s insights, reach out to her through her LinkedIn.
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