Reading the Boss

Bosses, like the rest of us, like to be read and protected.

They like it when employees anticipate and fulfill unspoken needs and love it when it is clear that the employee is looking out for their interests.

Consider the following: Ted and Karen are in charge of separate projects. They both report to Ellen.

Ted knows that Ellen hates surprises. He sends Ellen a one page project update every week and, if something extraordinary occurs, gives her a quick phone call just as a heads-up.

Karen does neither. She focuses solely on completing the project on time. Ellen really doesn’t know what’s happening with Karen’s project.

Ted keeps an eye open for events that could change the priorities of the project. He contacts Ellen if there is a chance that the priorities could shift.

Ellen sticks with the original priorities and plows ahead.

Ted is sensitive to the politics of the organization. If a major decision maker wanders anywhere near his project, he notifies Ellen and tells her about the comments that were made and any questions that were asked.

Ellen is flattered by the interest of the decision maker, but sees no need to bring her boss into the loop. After all, she doesn’t want to be a pest.

If Ted sees a potential problem in meeting a deadline, he tells Ellen immediately.

If Karen sees a potential deadline problem, she devotes a sizable amount of time to meeting the deadline and only notifies Ellen if a deadline extension must be requested.

Ted gives Ellen some interesting “talking points” regarding his project.

Ellen gives a general update at staff meetings.

Ted considers how his project inter-relates to other projects that are under Ellen’s authority. He coordinates with any staff members who have related projects so there won’t be any conflict.

Karen sticks to her territory and doesn’t deal with the other staff members unless there is a conflict.

Ted has studied Ellen's professional background, knows which individuals are her allies and which ones are adversaries. He incorporates that knowledge into his decisions.

Karen knows little of Ellen's alliances or background. As a result, she doesn't consider any of those factors when making her decisions.

Which person would you rather have working for you? Ted or Karen?