It’s time you put your boss to work for you! In Bobbie LaPorte’s July 2 “Calling the Game” video, she suggests specific ways that your manager can help provide you with the daily support, guidance, and visibility you deserve.
Strategies for Harnessing Your Boss’s Experience to Unlock Career Growth and Maximize Managerial Guidance and Advocacy
When I drafted this post with the working title “Put Your Boss to Work for You,” I thought—people are going to think, “What?” We all know we work for someone, that our job is to lead our team, execute and produce outcomes that meet expectations, and make our bosses look good…. all the usual things that come with working in a company.
In this boss/employee relationship, we do expect—maybe hope is a better word—that our boss will be supportive of us and that he will be an advocate for our career advancement. Unfortunately, that is often not the case….at least, maybe not the “active” support we seek.
What it Means to Put Your Boss to Work for You
So, when I suggest that you should put your boss to work for you, what exactly does that mean? It means this:
Of course, you need your boss to support you—in a number of ways, from daily connection, intervention, and guidance to more proactive, strategic support and visibility. But it’s possible he doesn’t know how, isn’t clear on what you need, or sees it as a priority to make the time.
It’s up to you to let him know how he can help and be very clear and specific. That indicates that you know what you need and that you value his time and input.
Here are some examples:
- Maybe you need him to intervene with another executive in the organization to gain support for a project you are leading.
- Or… to acknowledge and tap into his specific experience in an area where you could use some coaching or guidance.
- Or… to share a decision you are considering and ask him to weigh in with his perspective.
These examples all show thoughtfulness and intention; you are wisely using his time and experience. He wants you to be successful—that reflects on him as well. He just might not know the best way to help you.
So, your job is to help him help you by being clear and specific. He will appreciate that approach. And you can be sure that he has achieved his success by asking others for help and that he will be flattered that you asked.