4 psychological keys to gain the confidence of a boss
When I worked in the office environment, I went from being bad with my boss to being recognized by her as a very good element of her team. In the course of that path, I felt discouraged. It was like walking in the mist. I did not know where to go, or what to do exactly.
Reflecting what brought me from a fragile and vulnerable point to another one of labor and personal trust , I came to the conclusion that the key was to effectively support my boss. I wanted to support her since I joined the organization, but I did not do it effectively; I did not even know how to do it. Universities do not give us that knowledge ... and that's a problem.
- Related article: "The 10 differences between a boss and a leader"
Creating a trustworthy work environment
Do you have a boss too demanding? Have you ever wondered how you can earn your trust?
Many times, conflicts within an organization are not due to a lack of skills on the part of employees and subordinates in general, but because of a communication failure and atmosphere of distrust. Here you can see some tips to gain the trust of the bosses.
- Maybe you're interested: "Toxic bosses: 11 characteristics that define them"
1. Listen carefully to your instructions
This is something very obvious, but every time I leave my house, I realize how little people listen attentively. Many times, the belief that you already know the type of instructions you will receive makes us disconnect and stop attending to what we are told , and such a simple error can cause serious errors.
When your boss gives you an indication, stop doing everything you're doing and concentrate on what he explains. If you can, take out a notebook, take notes.
Practice active listening with your boss. The ability to listen is one that distinguishes a true leader from others.
2. Ask questions without any embarrassment
One day that I stayed until very late finishing something pending, a fellow with a lot of experience approached me and said: "whenever you have a question, do it. To me, your boss or whoever. Remember that there are no silly questions, there are only fools who do not ask. "
That companion gave me life, I was very grateful for his advice, because when I joined the organization, I was afraid to ask questions , especially because I am very inquisitive. I like to have very clear objectives before getting down to work.
Take also that advice from my partner and do not be ashamed to ask! Clarify the details that are not clear from the beginning with your boss and you will see that their confidence in you will gradually increase, because they will see you as someone who does care about their work.
3. Keep him informed of your progress or lack of it
I remember that in those days, we had to inform my boss something. An unpleasant news: we had fallen behind again on a delivery date.
Those things happen a lot in the Software development industry. They often put very unrealistic delivery dates. Anyway, my partner feared for the reaction of my boss and said:
- Could you inform him?
- If I tell him. I stopped from my chair to go to inform him and my partner stopped me:
- Are you going to go right now?
- Yes, the longer we wait, the worse it will be.
I went to tell him things as honestly as I could. Of course I felt ashamed and nervous, but in the end, I knew I had to do it because it was critical for the project.
My boss's reaction, of course, was annoying, but after telling me that I would not accept another delay in an imperative tone, he thanked me for telling him. My partner asked me something fearful:
- What did he say?
- What you had to tell me, there will be no further extension. We have to finish it right now.
One of your best allies to earn your boss's trust is tell him with transparency both the good and the bad . Do not make assumptions about "what your boss wants to hear", just tell him what it is. Communicate with courage and honesty the good and the bad without fear of reprisal.
There are not that many people willing to tell the truth in this world, do not you think? For a boss that is very valued.
4. Seeks to meet your expectations
Entrepreneurs have only one way to survive: to satisfy the needs of their clients.
If you work in an office environment and are not used to entrepreneurship, you could do the following: think that your boss is the most important client of your "business"
If that were the case, you would do everything necessary to meet their requirements. By imagining that you are an entrepreneur or business owner, it will be easier to understand how important it is to deliver an adequate job regarding your boss's perspective. That is the most important.
You can make a huge effort in the wrong job. Keep a constant communication with your direct boss, follow up on his instructions and never expect him to approach you to give you the go-ahead.
You may even have to ask if you're doing well . Do not wait for him to give you feedback, because most are so busy, they can not even take the time to tell you what you're failing. Be you the one who asks: "I would like you to tell me, according to your opinion, what can I improve?".
This will indicate that you really care about wanting to satisfy the requirements that are asked of you, not just to "get along with it". He listens with great patience to his constructive criticism without interrupting it.
In light of these tips: What other advice would you give someone who is starting his professional career to gain the trust of his boss? I would love to read and respond to your comments.
