Are You Speaking Different Languages at Work? Find Out!

Let me quickly share a story with you about Justin. Just like many of us, he was trying his best at work. Every Monday, he would show up to his one-on-one meeting with his manager, Smith, super prepared. He had this detailed report ready to go, eager to share his progress.

But here’s the thing, Smith? He would be sitting there, scrolling through his emails, barely paying attention. Talk about frustrating, right? I mean, we’ve all been there, putting in the effort only to feel ignored.

And it didn’t stop there. Justin would get these “urgent” messages from Smith late in the evening. You know the type, they make you panic a bit. But come morning? Turns out they weren’t so urgent after all. Classic boss move, am I right?

Oh, and when Justin actually got feedback from Smith? It was about as useful as trying to fly a plane without wings. You know those vague comments that leave you scratching your head, wondering what on earth you’re supposed to do with them? Yeah, that’s exactly what Justin was dealing with.

You’re probably sitting there right now thinking, “Yep, been there, done that.” It’s a pretty common experience in the workplace. We’re all just trying to figure out how to work well with our managers, and sometimes it feels like we’re speaking different languages.

But here’s where it gets interesting. Fast forward three months, and you wouldn’t believe the change. Justin and Smith? They were suddenly in sync, working together like a dream team. So what changed?

Well, Justin figured out this thing called “managing up.” Now, don’t worry, it’s not about sucking up or playing office politics. It’s way cooler than that.

I completely understand because I’ve been in a similar situation. A while ago, I was the one working late, overwhelmed by last-minute tasks, and feeling completely out of sync with my boss. Then it hit me: my boss wasn’t a mind reader, and neither was I. It was like we were speaking two different languages without a way to understand each other.

The real game-changer? I started seeing my boss as a real person, not just “the boss.” They have their own stresses, their own way of doing things, their own communication style. It was like finally getting the user manual for my boss that I never knew I needed!

Below are some action points that will help you in the art of working better together.

Action Point:

1. The Communication Audit: Sounds fancy, but it’s really simple. Just take 5 minutes to think about when your boss seems most open to chatting. Is it first thing in the morning? After lunch? Do they prefer emails or face-to-face talks? Figuring out this pattern can be a game-changer.
2. The Priority Check: In your next one-on-one, try asking this question: “What’s one thing I could do differently that would make your job easier?” Their answer might surprise you!

Want to know how to do this yourself?

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be co-hosting an exclusive webinar with a special guest. Mark your calendars for October 30, 2024, at 5 PM EST for our game-changing session: “Managing Your Manager” We’ll be sharing all the insider strategies that have helped us and countless others completely transform their relationships with their Managers. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!

Click the link below right now to add this event to your calendar. It will take just a few seconds, but it could be the first step towards revolutionizing your career. Set that reminder and join us for an evening that could change your work life forever!

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