What do you do if your boss doubts your abilities?

1 Assess Feedback

When faced with doubts from your boss, the first step is to assess the feedback critically. Listen carefully to their concerns and ask clarifying questions to understand the root of their doubts fully. This isn't about making excuses; it's about gaining insight. Once you have a clear picture, you can begin to address any valid points. Reflect on your performance honestly and identify areas for improvement. This shows your boss that you take their feedback seriously and are committed to personal growth and professional excellence.

2 Set Goals

After understanding the concerns, set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to demonstrate your commitment to improvement. Share these goals with your boss and discuss how they align with team and organizational objectives. By setting clear goals, you're not only showing initiative but also providing a transparent framework for tracking your progress. This can help rebuild trust and show that you're actively working on enhancing your skills and abilities.

3 Prove Value

To dispel doubts, it's essential to prove your value to the team and the organization. Take on challenges that allow you to showcase your strengths and contribute positively to team projects. Delivering quality work consistently can help change your boss's perception over time. Remember, actions often speak louder than words, so let your work demonstrate your capabilities. Keep your boss updated on your achievements and how they benefit the team, reinforcing your role as an integral member.

4 Communicate Openly

Open communication with your boss is vital. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss your progress towards the goals you've set and to receive ongoing feedback. This not only keeps you on track but also fosters a transparent relationship with your boss. Use these opportunities to address any new concerns promptly and to demonstrate your proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

5 Seek Support

Sometimes, an outside perspective can be invaluable. Seek support from mentors or trusted colleagues who can offer advice or advocate for your abilities. They may provide insights or strategies you hadn't considered. Additionally, if appropriate, they might communicate your strengths and contributions to your boss, providing a different viewpoint that could help shift their perspective.

6 Enhance Skills

Continually enhancing your skills is a proactive way to address doubts about your abilities. Look for training, workshops, or other learning opportunities that can help you improve in areas of concern. By committing to lifelong learning and skill development, you not only address immediate issues but also prepare yourself for future challenges, showing your boss that you are adaptable and forward-thinking.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?