C-Suite Academy: How to Build Trust with Your Manager
Deb Coviello The Drop In CEO?
Partnering with C-Suite Leaders to Navigate Challenges with Confidence??| Speaker | Author| Podcaster| CEO Whisperer | Fractional Leader |Coach |Consultant |Professional Moderator |Silver Medalist Curler??
I’ve often wondered how trust is earned when it comes to job growth and working independently. We welcome the guidance of those who are trusted with our development. We are excited to learn new skills and show what we’ve learned and demonstrate our value. However, at some point we feel like we have met expectations, yet our work continues to be scrutinized.
About 5 years ago, I was on a project with my manager to reduce the amount of customer complaints we were receiving. We both had great experiences, but each time we would come together, they would comment on my work and I was never fully aligned with their expectations. With each interaction, seeing it as a learning opportunity, I would ask for clarification on what was expected and I’d go away and work on another part of the project. The same thing would repeat itself because there always seemed to be a bit of information I did not have or understand and my work never quite met standard. It was frustrating and my confidence to provide value kept sinking. I didn’t trust myself and I don’t think the manager trusted me to meet their expectations.
Do you have a framework to have a conversation to discuss the gap you see?
Try this framework:
- Gratitude – always thank them in some fashion – opportunity, meeting with you, helping you to evolve
- Identify the Outcome of the conversation – these sets expectations at the start
- Discuss the process in question and the strength first
- Discuss the process and the gap that detracts from the strength
- Propose a solution to close the gap or
- Seek feedback on what would close the gap
You take full control of the conversation!
Having realized there was a disconnect in my boss trusting my work, I arranged for a 1-2-1 to discuss. We soon realized there was a knowledge gap in an area that they assumed I had training. Having realized this gap, they immediately stepped back and filled in the information and context I was missing. Once we took the action to close that gap, I was soon delivering the results they expected. After a short while, they stopped having regular meetings with me and asked that I simply keep them informed. What a relief!
If this lesson was helpful, but need more support to apply these principles, please consider the C-Suite Academy.
For more information about C-Suite Academy (CSA) dedicated to the aspiring C-Suite leader, simply register to get on the waitlist, email me or connect with me for a quick chat. I can’t wait to help you be successful and reach your goals!
For more resources, you can listen to The Drop In CEO Podcast or check out my book The CEO’s Compass will help you get on track in days not months.
Resources
Good Reads
Climbing The Right Mountain: Navigating the Journey to An Inspired Life
By Tony Martingnettiwho I interviewed recently and his episode will air March 18th on The Drop In CEO Podcast. He has pursued work that fills his soul in coaching people like you to do the work you were meant to do. Even if you can’t switch jobs or rolls right now, do something on the side that fuels you and someday it can be your life's pursuit.
Good Music
Metro Exodus - In The House In A Heartbeat
This song is a little different and has a “James Bond” sound to it. It’s wrought with mystery of the unknown and a little unsettling. I often share these songs with you to share with you how I’m feeling. I’ve recently started a new contract role and feeling a little uneasy and also growing. I’m also launching my C-Suite Academy and while I know it will be successful, until my students say it is a success, it doesn’t matter… yet. So this song is for all of those who are moving forward and while it feels dark or the road less traveled, know that you will come through on the other end better and stronger.
Good Advice
Sometimes my favorite quotes are the ones that come from my solo episodes. When I’m in flow, I never know what will be said! Enjoy!
“We as a community need to realize the pockets of greatness in our ranks and seek to elevate them.”
-Deb Coviello
"Cross-Generational Voice" & Talent Leverage Champion/Mentor " Transforming multigen work challenges to business profit & purpose| biz dev.strategist|author|org. mentor|speaker|connection conversations enabler
3 年This framework has a lot going for it, and having it handy gives you a process to follow. It was fortunate that you could identify on your own what the issue was. It is good for the employee to go to the boss with at least a start on their own idea of a solution to propose and to also ask the boss what their approach or solution might be. You did both, and that shows that you were not simply expecting to be told what to do. You want to control the conversation or at least share the control to make the boss feel they have not lost control.
Are you concerned about the looming trade war and how it will affect you? I can help with that! | Strategic Communications & Change Leader: Communicating your value and differentiating you in uncertain markets.
3 年Thanks Deb I always start with perceived goals and desired outcomes. "If we could wave a magic wand and have this turn out exactly the way you want, what would it look like?" You would be amazed if you ask 7 people who are all working on the same project this question, how many different answers you will get. Until everyone understands what the outcome is supposed to look like and why, setting up expectations and accountability is premature. You need to make sure that everyone wants the same thing and understand why they want it, what problem it solves, and if solved, what it will enable them to do that they cannot do now. Uncovering biases and hidden agendas at the outset is critical to achieving ultimate success
Leader and Motivational Speaker
3 年Very interesting, Deb!
Business confidante and guide, community builder, and podcast host - helping corporate refugees start, run, and grow their businesses.
3 年Deb Coviello The Drop In CEO?, great article. A framework is a very useful tool to take control. It can also help reduce our own negative emotions, which then impact our self confidence and our ability to position ourselves positively. Thank you for sharing this.