While the title itself is self-explanatory, I would like to add one point here before you jump on the the numbered list. Your professional growth depends, not just own your
accomplishments, but largely on how you communicate your accomplishments and how
rest perceive your accomplishments as. Your image, or the mental model that people
create of you could make or break your career. And if that person is your
reporting manager, things become far more serious. So how do you control the
negative influence or in other words how do you positively influence your
manager, and help him build a positive
mental model of your personality. Objective is positive image and career success.
Here are 7 things that you must
tell your manager on regular basis, as they happen and as you realized it
happened.
1. I tried but I failed
Success is preferred outcome of
an well executed effort, however it may not be the case always. Communicate
your manager about your failures, does not matter how diminutive the task was.
It sends a strong message about your character, you don’t shy away from
mistakes or failures but you face them and state them. You can be trusted.
2. I learned that....
One thing that comes with both
success and failure is learning. What did you learn from this experience of
yours. Tell your boss and let him know that you have learned and grown with
each project / experience. You are improving day by day.
3. I did this differently
doing is not enough, doing same task differently, or exploring newer ways of doing
same old stuff shows that you take keen interest in your tasks and do not get
bored too fast. You can be a person your manager will look upon in the difficult
times as you will develop a habit of doing things differently.
4. I initiated .....
This is a really very strong positioning of yourself. This conveys straight
message that you are a person who drives things and not just wait for directions.
You are proactive, prudent and intelligent.
5. I prevented....
You once again demonstrated your prudence here. This statement will largely convey
the message that how you ensured that productivity of many was not impacted
(negatively) because you could sense something wrong and stopped it. A penny
saved is a penny earned.
6. I appreciated....
Your
are not arrogant, nor do you believe that you are superior than others – prove
this, appreciated efforts put in by others and let your manager know that you
do value your team and colleagues. You are a team player
7. Yes, that was done on time
Make your boss believe that the task assigned to you is considered done. You are
his most reliable person.
Keep your manager updated,
remember ‘you always have the power to influence mental models that others make of
yours’. Practice this regularly and updated me on your next promotion.
@mathurabhay
