Finding a Better Boss Depends On Your Navigation
Could you benefit from a better boss? Better than what?
Many career minded individuals feel frustrated with their boss. It may be because the boss supplies what feels like meaningless work. Perhaps he or she is too commanding, or is too close-minded. There may be more than a dozen other reasons.
The reality is that you always have some opportunity to shape your own future. That includes your interactions with your boss.
Opportunities Not Dead Ends
People sometimes suggest to me, “It must be nice to be your own boss.”
I’m typically quick to reply that at any given time I may have ten, twenty, or even fifty bosses. My clients are my boss.
Certainly, I have some ability to say whether I want that relationship or not.
It isn’t much different from traditional workplace roles. In a general sense, you work where you work by choice.
You’ll have things you have to do that perhaps you don’t enjoy. There are rules to follow that may not be your rules. There are organizational politics to navigate. And, work that may not always feel rewarding, efficient, or effective.
As for my job, it still has similarities to most jobs. You can make appropriate effort, or feel like a victim.
You can help by playing the role that needs played. That may be doing something creative, something necessary, or something monotonous.
Perhaps, you will also find opportunities to help by making suggestions. Have you ever considered doing it this way?
Not everything will be thought of as useful. Not everything will be welcomed with open arms.
Better Boss Navigation
There are at least three paths for your navigation.
- The boss (or client) welcomes your advice and that makes things different or better.
- You remain appropriately persistent. Eventually your contributions achieve a breakthrough and seem to matter. See number one.
- You pack up your toys and move to a different sandbox.
A fourth, alternative path, is to accept everything as is. Remember though, that is your choice.
Sometimes the best way to help yourself is to help your boss. Whether it is one boss or many, you have the choice for navigation.
There are trade-offs everywhere.
Choose the navigation that fits you best. Blaming the boss isn’t a solution.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
