When the workplace is more competitive than it ever has been, you have to work extra hard to set yourself apart. Sure, results speak for themselves. There’s no question that high performers stand out for a reason. But what if you’re a high performer but don’t have a close relationship with your colleagues or boss? What if your priorities aren’t fully aligned with those of your company? We all know that person in the office… The one that can sell, win over clients and exceed every KPI imaginable. That same person never seems to last in one place for very long. And there’s a reason. There’s the matter of how you go about achieving those results and learning along the way.
What’s the best way to start? Your relationship with your boss. If you want to advance your career, consider the questions below that you should ask your boss.
What do You Need Help With?
It doesn’t happen enough. People reaching out to see how they can help. In fact, when it does happen, you’re often so caught off guard you don’t know how to respond. Guess what? When you ask your boss this question, they’ll be taken aback because no one has ever asked them before.
In most cases when you ask this question, you’re likely to end up with some tasks that your boss just doesn’t enjoy doing. They might be menial in his or her eyes, but they’re your responsibility now. And you should treat them as important as anything else you do.
This question and assumption of responsibility will show your boss that you’re loyal, dedicated and eager to learn.
What are Your Main Objectives and Concerns?
You probably notice a pattern with these first two questions – they’re both boss-centric. It’s a far cry from brown-nosing if you ask them in a genuine way. When you make yourself available and demonstrate a want to learn, you immediately build trust and loyalty.
The truth for most effective bosses is, they’re always looking for their replacement. Some might communicate but, most just observe.
So, the only way for you to know if you’re seriously being considered for mentorship is to ask. Ask what your boss’ primary goals and objectives are. Once you have a solid understanding, it’s your job to help them get there.
How do You Communicate
It’s easy for your boss to stress the importance of adapting to different communication styles. Guess what, though? He or she has their own preferred communication style in the office. This is their default way of getting tasks done. And, it’s your job to figure it out.
When you ask your boss what their preferred method of communication is, you position yourself to solidify a relationship.
If you can solve this equation, you’ll be way ahead of everyone else.
Who Do You Need to Cultivate Relationships With?
Ask any CEO how they achieved their success, and their answer will always come down to relationships. True story, even in the age of technology. Remember that guy we talked about in the opening? He’s always changing jobs because he doesn’t have the relationships to keep one for very long.
Take the time to learn how your boss got to where he or she is. Who did they look up to? Who did they seek out as mentors? Who did they avoid?
These are all important questions within a broader question. But, when someone you respect is willing to share a playbook to their success, you should listen.
The key is asking. You’ll never know otherwise.
What Skills do I Need to Develop?
You’re hungry. You’re determined to succeed. But, you’re also raw. If you’re asking your boss the questions above, he or she already knows this. That’s only the start, though. You have to be coachable and humble.
The next step is taking the right steps to improve your current performance and set yourself up for future success.
Bring a notepad with you and jot everything down. At this point, you have an opportunity that most folks don’t get. Time to make the most of it.
During your one-on-one, ask leading questions about your performance. Then listen. Ask more focused questions. And listen again.
Your time here is limited, so make it count.
Once you’ve gathered all the data and reviewed your notes, formulate a game plan and review it your boss. Then, put it into action.
There’s no questioning that you have to perform to survive climbing the corporate ladder. At the end of the day, it does come down to results. No one is going to deny that. However, if your goal is to stay with the right company for you, it’s imperative that you develop the skills and relationships necessary to do so. There’s no better place to start than your boss or manager. Afterall, if they agree to become a mentor for you, they will want you to succeed as much as you do since their training will be a reflection on both of you. If you feel inspired to achieve their success or beyond, ask the right questions, listen, and execute.
