COMMUNICATION
IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Assertiveness skills
Body language
Communicating with
your children
Conversation skills
Difficult People
Emotional Maturity
Enhancing your marriage
Family Life
Interpersonal relationships
Speaking skills
Writing skills
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Business ethics
Business etiquette
Business writing
Communication in
the workplace
Cross-cultural communication
Conflict resolution
Creative thinking
Crisis management
Customer relations
Effective meetings
Job-hunting skills
Management strategies
Marketing communication
Negotiating skills
Networking in business
Presentation skills
Team building
Telephone marketing
|
UPDATES Sign up to receive updates by email of new articles added to this site. To subscribe, click on the button below:  We're proud of our ethical standards and take your privacy seriously SEE SAMPLE ISSUE |
How to Read Your Boss' Mind
by Mark Goulston
Looking for a pay raise or promotion? You’ll need your boss on your side. Before helping an employee up the ladder, bosses – either consciously or unconsciously – ask themselves seven questions.
If you can put yourself in your boss’ place (it also works for audiences) and answer these queries, you’re much more likely to get the help you need.
1. What can you get done for me?
A dream employee reflects favorably on the boss and the department, getting great results with minimal training and hand-holding. Your boss must be able to size up quickly, simply and clearly the value of your work
2. Why is that important to me?
Your boss is looking for something that is important to him or her rather than to you. You may love some aspect of your work, but if it is of no value to your boss, who cares? Find out what the chief wants and needs most – and get it done. Then, without being too obvious, get it noticed.
3. Is that more than I’m getting now?
Whether they own up to it or not, everybody wants more. It’s not just about greed – having more offers some protection against having less at some other time. Getting more from you also lets your boss feel smart for having you around.
4. Is that better than I’m getting now?
Even bosses who desire quantity seek quality in your work. High-quality results that exceed expectations – not only of your boss, but your boss’ boss – will do wonders for your perceived worth.
5. Is that sooner than I’m getting it now?
Time is money. If you can deliver the results sooner than your boss expects, it distinguishes you from other employees who may have trouble meeting deadlines.
6. Does it cost less than I’m spending now?
Cost is vital to your boss. His budget is skimpy, but he has to make do. If your results far exceed your cost, you’re a diamond in the rough. Even considering cost sets you apart.
7. Is that less risky than what I’m doing now?
As much as bosses like the excitement of a throw-caution-to-the-wind new project, the potential slips and slides scare them more. Help your boss safely take on bigger and better projects.
Mark Goulston, M.D. is the author of GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY AT WORK and Help Others Do the Same (forthcoming from Putnam, October, 2005). He helps managers to become leaders using skills and experience as a medically trained psychiatrist, FBI/police hostage negotiation trainer, and corporate emotional intelligence specialist. Contact him at: mgoulston@markgoulston.com.
Some Related Articles:
When You're Afraid to Talk to Your Boss
Bad Boss? Learn How to Manage Your Manager!
How to Get the Salary You Want: Twelve Negotiation Tactics That Work
When the Boss is a Bully
Getting Along With the Boss
Manage Your Boss Effectively
Heaven or Hell: A Corporate Parable
My Boss Steals All My Ideas!
Directness Takes Courage and Gains Respect
