You might have the best supervisor or manager in the world. However, most employees have supervisors or managers who were given minimal or no training on how to manage, coach and lead their team. That means that your manager might be assuming you know what they want and need from you. But do you? Just in case you don’t know what your manager needs from you, here it is:
Stay positive. You likely consider yourself to be a positive person. Fair enough. Just realize that your manager hears complaints on a regular basis—and sometimes he or she might feel that’s all they hear. You can stand out in your manager’s mind by staying positive, especially when times are challenging. When it comes to communication, for every negative you communicate, make sure you communicate three positives.
Be proactive. It’s fine to make your manager aware that something is broken–just make sure you suggest solutions—and offer to take action. Even better, be the person who takes care of a problem before it even comes to your manager’s attention. In today’s workplace, there is no such thing as job security—but being proactive is the next best thing.
Invest in yourself. Instead of wishing you had more opportunity from your company to get a coach, take a course or go to a training, establish your own budget to develop yourself professionally and personally. Get a coach, attend a workshop, sign up for a webinar, read a book or article. Whatever your company does or doesn’t do for your development, add to that and build from there. Believe me, your manager will take note.
– Alan Allard, Creator of Enlightened Happiness. For more from Alan, sign up for his newsletter at alanallard.com.
