Does your boss know what you’re doing? (1 thing you should do so it’s not a secret)

Don’t assume. Tell them. Otherwise, you allow them to draw incorrect assumptions!

Ideally…

your boss should be setting regular meetings with you (especially if you’re a junior leader) to keep everything on track, but they get busy just like you. Take the initiative and send them weekly situation reports that outline what happened during the week. Summarize what your team accomplished, the challenges you face, and what you’re doing to overcome those challenges. Most importantly, update your boss on the status and health of your team. It’s imperative that this information flow UP the chain because you are the advocate of your people.

The advantages of…

this approach are numerous. First, it keeps your boss informed and shows them that you’re proactive and taking ownership of your role. It also helps to build trust and a positive working relationship between you and your boss. They will appreciate your efforts to keep them informed, which in turn could lead to increased recognition and opportunities for you within the company.

Moreover, it helps to avoid any misunderstandings or assumptions about what you’re working on. Your boss may have a different perspective or priorities, and it’s important to be aligned. By providing regular updates, you can ensure that you’re on the same page and working towards the same goals. Additionally, it allows your boss to provide feedback and support, which is instrumental in your success.

Sending…

weekly situation reports can also help you stay organized and focused. When you take the time to reflect on what you and your team accomplished, you can identify areas for improvement and prioritize your tasks for the following week. It also forces you to be accountable for your work, which can motivate you to stay on track and meet your goals.

Finally, this creates a tangible archive for your performance review, which supports the case for any wage increases you feel that you’ve earned.

Taking the initiative to send regular updates will help you stay organized, focused, and accountable, and it benefits your relationship with your boss. It’s a win-win situation that can lead to increased trust, recognition, and success for you and your team. So, take a few minutes each week to update your boss and reap the rewards of proactive communication.

Call to Action: If you’d like more information on this subject or a template for weekly SitReps, contact Todd Boeding at tb@toddboeding.com.