What do you do if your boss doesn't trust you in a private equity career?

Trust is essential for a successful private equity career. You need to build credibility with your boss, your colleagues, your portfolio companies, and your investors. But what if your boss doesn't trust you? How can you overcome this challenge and prove your value? Here are some tips to help you deal with a distrustful boss in private equity.

1 Understand the root cause

The first step is to understand why your boss doesn't trust you. Is it because of your performance, your communication, your attitude, or something else? Try to get honest feedback from your boss and other sources, such as peers, mentors, or HR. Be open to criticism and avoid being defensive or blaming others. Identify the areas where you need to improve and show your willingness to learn and grow.

Add your perspective

Tapiwa Maswera

Money Making or Wealth Creation? There is a world of difference!
Report contribution
The relationship with the boss is one of your biggest responsibilities. A bad relationship with the boss is a liability. You cannot afford to be offside where the bosss is concerned. Business is about chemistry and these things happen. To get to a plan of action, you need to know where it's all coming from. I would be very careful to work out the root cause of mistrust. Is it about me? Is it about him? Is it external to both of us. Once I know what is happening, I need to go on a charm offensive, from a perspective that is both understanding and conscious. Improve communication lines, demonstrate competence, be seen to be both reliable and dependable, do all the necessary and more and document everything and have proof. Manage upwards!

Like

2 Communicate frequently and clearly

The second step is to communicate frequently and clearly with your boss. Don't wait for them to ask you for updates or reports. Proactively share your progress, challenges, achievements, and plans. Use facts and data to support your statements and show your impact. Ask for their input and advice, and acknowledge their feedback. Demonstrate that you respect their authority and expertise, and that you value their guidance and support.

Add your perspective

3 Align your goals and expectations

The third step is to align your goals and expectations with your boss. Make sure you understand what they expect from you, how they measure your success, and what their priorities and preferences are. Align your actions and decisions with their vision and strategy, and show how you contribute to the overall goals of the firm and the fund. Seek their approval and buy-in before making any significant moves or changes, and explain your rationale and reasoning.

Add your perspective

4 Build trust with others

The fourth step is to build trust with others in the firm and outside. Show that you can work well with your colleagues, portfolio companies, investors, and other stakeholders. Collaborate, cooperate, and coordinate with them, and avoid any conflicts or misunderstandings. Deliver on your promises and commitments, and be accountable and reliable. Showcase your skills, knowledge, and experience, and share your insights and ideas. Earn their respect and recognition, and leverage their testimonials and referrals.

Add your perspective

Santosh Gupta

Deputy Director at Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd| XLRI
Report contribution
Private equity is fast paced and private equity players are evaluating multiple deals at a single point of time - these deals may be at different stages - idea screening, due-diligence, signing term sheet, monitoring and mentoring the portfolio companies. Big private equity players have can have different verticals - healthcare, technology, infrastructure etc. One should engage in active feedback sessions and agree on the key deliverables. In case you are not good at due-diligence, may be try shifting to idea screening or monitoring of the portfolio companies or shift to less daunting and routine side like accounts. Win the trust of the bosses and then try moving to next level of the complex roles.

Like

5 Show initiative and leadership

The fifth step is to show initiative and leadership in your role. Don't just follow instructions or do the minimum required. Look for opportunities to add value, solve problems, innovate, and improve. Take ownership of your projects and tasks, and drive them to completion. Anticipate challenges and risks, and prepare contingency plans. Seek out new learning and development opportunities, and enhance your capabilities and competencies. Be proactive, confident, and decisive, and inspire others to follow you.

Add your perspective

6 Be patient and consistent

The sixth step is to be patient and consistent in your efforts. Building trust takes time and persistence. Don't expect your boss to change their mind overnight or to praise you for every little thing. Keep working hard, delivering results, communicating effectively, aligning your goals, building relationships, and showing initiative. Over time, your boss will notice your improvement and appreciate your contribution. They will start to trust you more and give you more autonomy and responsibility.

Add your perspective

Neil Prior

Business Consultant : Finance Business Partner : Forex Trader
Report contribution
Leave and find a better employer....life is too short to correct other people's faults and blindspots .............................

Like

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?

Add your perspective

What do you do if your boss doesn't trust you in a private equity career?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand the root cause

2 Communicate frequently and clearly

3 Align your goals and expectations

4 Build trust with others

5 Show initiative and leadership

6 Be patient and consistent

7 Here’s what else to consider

Private Equity

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Private Equity

More relevant reading