What do you do if your boss's goals and expectations don't align with yours?

When my goals differ from my boss's, I initiate a candid discussion to understand their perspectives and expectations fully. I express my views and objectives clearly, seeking a common ground or a compromise where possible. This approach creates a mutual understanding and often leads to aligned objectives that benefit both personal career growth and organizational objectives. Open communication and flexibility are key to resolving such differences.

Open communication is really important, it’s need to be clear to both the employee and manager what the company objectives are and why. This serves as the basis of trust. There could be many reasons why there could differences, change in strategic direction, goals have not been set, or not communicated and finally the value impact to an employee has not been clearly articulated. Without communication and an understanding what an employee is concerned about the problem will manifest itself into broader issues.

Before entering the meeting, tell yourself that regardless of how the meeting goes, it's just a meeting about one individual's perspective of your thought against their goals . It isn't an evaluation of your personal worth or how you would perform in a different position or with a different company. Don't take the feedback too personally. Instead, use their comments as you see fit to improve at your job and interacting with colleagues.

? Start with an open mindset; your boss often sees the broader picture you might miss. ? Speak up about your views; you have unique insights they might not have considered - after all, you are in the field interacting with customers more. ? Aim for a dialogue that merges both visions, and the important thing to understand is its NOT a battle for intellectual supremacy - but what aligns more with the organization's goals and how any idea could contribute to it.

To leave the feelings out of it. For example:"I'm feeling burnout or overwhelmed" are very valid feelings, but why are you feeling that way. That's what your manager will need to know to help you. The thing I found to be most helpful, is to come with: - Bring the stats/ data to support the feelings - Solutions on how your manager can support you - Don't be defensive. Come with an open mind Have patience. Expectations don't change overnight. But clear communication will help guide the resolution.