Dealing with a Boss Who Doesn’t Understand What You Do

Whether you are a new employee or someone who has worked for a business or firm for a long time, you are expected to report to your boss regularly. Some people are lucky to have a boss who knows their role in the company, takes the time to get to know them and knows how to make them flourish. They don’t need to worry about having difficulties in the workplace and realise they have a strong supporter in the form of their boss.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for others with a boss who needs to take the effort and time to understand what they do. These employees feel like their work could be more appreciated, and they cannot expect any help from their boss when they need it. As a result, some feel like it is best to leave the company and find a team with a boss who understands them.

If you are in this situation, don’t immediately resign. There are many reasons why a boss may not be able to understand you, from being new to the company to their unfamiliarity with your position. Fortunately, you can take the first step in changing this situation and getting your boss to recognise your role in the team.

Down below are some tips you can try out to help you with your boss:

Don’t Immediately Assume They Don’t Know

One of the biggest mistakes an employee can make is assuming they can read what their boss is like even before getting to know them better. Even if your boss doesn’t show they understand your role in the company or give you the right support, it doesn’t mean they don’t know anything. Your boss is there to help the team see the same vision and achieve it.

So, get to know your boss first to see if they need help understanding your role and if they can support you. You can also ask your colleagues if they have worked with your boss or check their LinkedIn and Google profiles. You can also go directly to your boss and ask them!

Ask Assistance Properly

It is okay for bosses not to fully understand all the details of your role. What is important is that your boss can provide you with the support you need to complete your tasks, whether it is giving you the right resources, freeing you from other tasks that may affect your focus, or sitting down with you to resolve issues. But if you want them to react accordingly, you need to ask correctly.

To get a proper response from your boss, you should communicate with them at the right time. Make it a point to ask your boss for their help when they are accessible and able to focus on your needs. You can schedule your meeting in advance so they can prepare ahead of time. If you want to meet them in a relaxed setting, you can invite them for coffee or a quick bite.

Before your meeting, make sure to do your research regarding the issue you want to discuss and indicate how you need their help. Practice ahead if you want so you can deliver your message. Your boss would wish your meetings to be straight to the point because time is business money!

Know How Your Work Matches The Company’s Goals

Like you, your boss has tasks that were assigned to them by your company’s executives. They need to ensure that the team achieves results and meets the company’s targets. You must learn from your boss to achieve these goals and understand why your tasks are essential for the company’s success.

If you cannot keep up with the goals, you can readjust your strategy by breaking down the goals into attainable small goals. As you complete these small goals, you can meet your boss’s expectations.

Promote Yourself!

Aside from letting your boss know that you are essential for the company, you should let them know that you actually exist in the first place. To do that, you need to promote yourself and your work.

You can promote yourself at work in various ways. For instance, you can schedule regular meetings with your boss to update them about your work. You can also follow up with them through email, listing the tasks you have completed that contribute to the company’s goals. Additionally, you can volunteer for high-visibility projects or initiatives, and make sure to highlight your contributions in team meetings or presentations.

Get Your Colleagues Involved

If your boss won’t listen to your promotions, you can ask your colleagues to help advocate for you. It is possible that your boss won’t listen to you but will listen to your more experienced colleagues. With this in mind, if you are working with a team, ask your colleagues to share their positive opinions about you with your boss when they can. Whether they agree to do it or not, please take note of these comments and use them during discussions or performance reviews.

However, it’s important to approach this situation with professionalism and respect for your colleagues’ time and relationships with your boss.

Read The Situation

If your efforts remain unnoticed by your boss or they still do not make an effort to understand you, it’s time you reconsider your situation. Being under a boss with no clear goal and who needs help understanding their team can harm your career and mental well-being. With this in mind, you should look into other career opportunities elsewhere.

Remember, change takes time. Don’t rush to extreme measures when faced with a boss who seems to misunderstand your role. Instead, be patient and persistent in your efforts to improve the situation. If your boss starts to notice your contributions and takes action, it’s a sign that they’re listening. If not, don’t lose hope. There are better teams out there with bosses who will appreciate your worth. Stay determined and good luck!

Boss troubles? Here are some inspirations for you:
How Do You Ask My Manager To Change My Work Location
The Price of Oversharing with Your Boss
6 Ways to Develop a Better Relationship with Your Boss

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