Day 5_Da Boss

Hi!

Got a question for you.

What's the first thought that pops into your head when the boss asks to see you?

Was it a thought that something bad was about to happen?

If you answered 'yes', then we have a strategy to turn things around to give you more confidence. If you said 'no', just keep going with the steps. They'll add to your confidence, too.

First, nervousness is a fairly common response when positive feedback has been limited. Seriously, how many of us get enough positive feedback?

Without it, we become conditioned for a bad outcome. So don't feel there's something wrong with you. It's nothing that a willingness to be honest and a little confidence can't overcome.

When the boss calls you aside, there are a couple of ways to change that first negative reaction.

*Do you really know what the boss wants to talk to you about?
*Unless you have special mind-reading powers, don't assume you do.

It could be good. It could be a complement about the work you're doing.

It could be asking if things are going okay and if you need any more help.

It could be a minor correction. After all, training is part of their job, as is making sure everyone is working well together to make the company stronger and your paycheck bigger. Correction isn't a bad thing. Attitude about getting corrected is a bad thing.

Can you agree to stop assuming, even if something happened that you think is going to get you in trouble?

Now let's get on to the meeting.

When speaking to your supervisor, it's important to look confident, not cocky or ashamed.

Don't fidget.
Don't shut down.

Would you want to keep someone around who always looks angry, shut down or guilty every time you asked to speak to them? Neither does your boss. Why not look confident?

What have you got to lose? Nothing. You have no idea what this person is about to say.

*Head up
*Shoulders back
*Attentive expression
*Hear what your supervisor has to say
*Look them in the eye

We'll continue with the rest of the strategy in the next step. Are you with us so far?

On to the communication part of the strategy:

*If there's a correction needed, be honest and agree
*Thank them for the correction
*If there was a misunderstanding, let them know you understand how it might look to them. Calmly relay your side.
*Ask what you can do better
*If directions aren't clear, ask for clarification
*Let the boss know you're up to the task
*Be humble and give a small smile that lets them know you're trying
*If the boss was just checking in, give honest feedback and ask for help if you need it
*If your supervisor wanted to offer you more responsibility, thank them for the opportunity!
*If they want to complement you on a job well done, thank them for noticing!
*If they want to give you a raise...you can figure that one out...

You would be astounded at how far honest communication can get you in most situations. Will you try it?

Head back to the mirror and role play.

Choose one of the tips from Step 5 and practice your response. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

Will you do this as soon as possible?

One more thing.

Communication. A little small talk with your boss can get you far in terms of respect and understanding. When you get to know your boss and let them get to know you a little better, they tend to want to be on your side.
They'll fight harder for you. That also makes you want to rise to the challenge. Everyone wins.

Things still might happen where you need correction. That's fine. Take it as training. Nobody's perfect when they're just starting out. Oh could we tell you some stories about our first jobs!

However, if the boss enjoys interacting with you, then they're going to go a lot further to make sure you stay around.

How comfortable are you that you can follow this suggestion?

If you're worried, practice small talk.

There are nearly 8 billion people on the planet. That's a lot of practice. You can greet people on the street, on the bus, in the grocery store, at work, at school, at the theater, at your favorite hang out. You've got a lot to say. Start talking.

"Hi, how are you? How's your day going...." You get it. Will you try it?

Go get 'em!