The Expectations of the Boss

Introduction

When starting a new job we would like to fulfill the new manager’s expectations.  We know that employees can influence their manager and you as a newcomer will also have ideas and objectives. It is time to look further at how we put this into action. An important first step is to know the expectations of the boss.

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Eight elements

In this article we look at what managers expect from their newcomers and how they can meet the expectations of the boss.  Eight elements have been defined as being the most important factors. Managers want newcomers who …

1. Build trust by performing tasks well

Trust is essential for good cooperation with your supervisor. As employees have more confidence in their supervisor, there is more job satisfaction, they are also more connected to the organization, perform better and can develop better. Also the trust of the manager in his employees is of great value. Staff members will perform better and will be looking less for a different job.

Mind you, I know managers who are not interested in trust at all, however, I think that if you have a boss where you can build this trust, you will be far better of.

2. Come up with solutions to problems

It is important and constructive to ask for help on time. You certainly do not have to be ashamed of that, although some colleagues might loath you for that. Unfortunately managers usually have a lot of obligations, they do not always know in detail what you’re doing, or do they no longer know what it is like to start working as a newbie. A manager mostly follows the main lines and keeps the big picture in mind so that all the different projects that his employees perform complement each other nicely.

Provide solutions

For most managers it takes too much time to detail the work of all employees to follow. That also means that what feels like a central aspect of your work is often a smaller detail in the big picture that he has to oversee. And whatever the reason, it is not uncommon for employees to experience that it is sometimes difficult for a manager to provide good solutions to their problems.

3. Sufficiently inform and communicate

The message here is that it is appreciated that you go to work independently, but your supervisor wants to know what you are doing. Even if your manager does not always show it openly. But even if you want your supervisor to think along with you, this is one condition. Anyway, in every new relationship, people have to find their ways and get used to each other, so you have to try out things.

4. Positively follow-up feedback

Even though this is not the intention of an employee, it is and remains important to give your supervisor the message that you are taking feedback seriously and actively engage with it. After all, giving and receiving feedback is one of the most important investments in the relationship. For example, making notes during a conversation can be a tricky matter for some executives. For some, this is an important indication that you value their opinion and that you pay attention.

Take them serious

If you do not do that, then it seems for these managers as if you are not taking them seriously or ‘sitting out’ the meeting. While you might just be actively evaluating his words and focusing all your attention and energy on them. In other words, it is good to know what your supervisor thinks so that you can respond to it.

5. Follow when they need you to

A good employee knows when to lead, but also when he has to follow. Pick your battles! You can not and must not want to win everything. Moreover, sometimes you just have to listen, or follow your supervisor just the same. And sometimes time is more important than quality. Also remains it is your supervisor’s job to steer you where necessary. Stay away from any form of insubordination and you will be going in the right direction.

6. Make an effort to build good relationships

It is important that you have a good working relationship with you manager, and that you find your place in the department or team. It is important at this stage to get to know your managers and colleagues and to establish good personal relationships with them. It sounds simple: show interest in a person and you build a good relationship. Yet this is often harder than expected.

Special interest

Showing special interest in your supervisor can be considered as “kissing ass” and your colleagues (and in some cases your boss) might take offence. Personally I hated sweet talking, both when I was an employee and as a boss. My advice here would be to refrain from insincere flattery.

7. Take initiatives themselves

Do something extra! Do something creative! Think actively! In other words, make sure you add something to the process and leave a positive impression. Apply improvement opportunities that you see in the task you are performing. Or suggest new projects. Take initiative where you see that there are possibilities. Certainly when it comes to personal wishes and expectations, it is a good idea to be proactive. You know best what you want and what your future plans are. By being honest here and openly communicating about it, your supervisor can more easily assess how he best suits your wishes. A win-win for everyone, because you can fully develop and your supervisor gets an enthusiastic and motivated employee in return.

8. Have integrity

Some people will admit to their mistakes, or when something just went south. At the same time they will also give their opinion on what they find important. People with integrity show that they are professional and have ethical standards that they consider important. Yes, people who are honest will be vulnerable, especially when they are wrong or if they make a mistake. However, it will show that they can be trusted.  This could work both ways, as your manager might reciprocate. Depending on the relationship with your manager you can show more or less of yourself.

Conclusions + my recommendation no. 1

In the work situation, especially when you just started a new job or get a new boss, it is essential for you to find out everything you can about your manager. Knowing what your boss will be expecting from you plays a very important role. You may have concluded that living up to the expectations of your boss might not be easy. No boss is the same, they will all react differently to various people and situations. Neither are you, dear reader, you also differ from one to the other. What will work in one case might not in another matter.

Trouble with boss

I would appreciate to learn more about your experiences with your bosses and you are very welcome to share them here in the comment box. As this site aims to help people having trouble with their bosses, I might be able to steer you in the right direction. I have also dedicated an article about recognizing when you might be on your way out, which you can read here.

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