There’s that old saying about walking a mile in someone’s shoes.
Ever tried it with your manager?
It’s incredibly useful to understand what’s at the top of your manager’s agenda. Their perspective often differs significantly from yours and the awareness can be game changing.
Imagine stepping into their shoes. What are the most pressing challenges? What opportunities? What issues are they prioritizing?
If you aren’t sure, ask your manager about the challenges they are facing right now and listen generously.
You are likely to gain:
-Important context for doing your own work well.
-Greater ability to anticipate need and problems.
-Empathy for the different, sometimes conflicting, pressures on your manager.
And, by asking, you position yourself as a valuable team player who is interested in understanding the bigger picture.
Try it, and see what you learn.
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