What do you do if you're struggling to understand your boss's expectations and priorities?

1 Seek Clarity

When you're unsure about your boss's expectations, the most effective step is to seek clarity directly. Schedule a one-on-one meeting to discuss your role and responsibilities. Approach the conversation with specific questions and be ready to take notes. It's important to express your commitment to meeting their expectations and to ask for examples or benchmarks that can guide your work. This proactive approach demonstrates your initiative and desire to perform well.

2 Reflect on Feedback

Regular feedback is a goldmine for understanding your boss's priorities. Reflect on any comments or suggestions you've received, looking for patterns that might indicate their values and expectations. If feedback is sparse, don't hesitate to ask for it. Expressing your openness to constructive criticism shows that you're eager to grow and adapt to your boss's vision, which can lead to a clearer understanding of what they're looking for in your performance.

3 Prioritize Communication

Effective communication is key to any successful relationship, including the one with your boss. Ensure you're both on the same page by summarizing key points after meetings and confirming your understanding via email or a follow-up conversation. This not only helps prevent misunderstandings but also reinforces your commitment to meeting your boss's expectations and contributes to building a strong, transparent working relationship.

4 Understand the Vision

To truly grasp your boss's expectations, strive to understand the broader vision and objectives of the department or company. This context can provide insight into why certain tasks are prioritized and what the end goals are. By aligning your work with these broader objectives, you can better anticipate your boss's needs and demonstrate your strategic thinking abilities.

5 Manage Upwards

Managing upwards involves taking charge of your relationship with your boss by being proactive in your communications and responsibilities. Offer solutions, not just problems, and take the initiative to present ideas that align with their priorities. This approach can help you gain a clearer understanding of what your boss values and expects from you, making it easier to meet and exceed those expectations.

6 Adjust and Adapt

Finally, be prepared to adjust and adapt your approach as you learn more about your boss's expectations. Flexibility and the ability to pivot when necessary are valuable skills in any workplace. As priorities shift, so should your focus. By remaining adaptable, you can ensure that you're always working in a way that aligns with your boss's current needs and priorities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?