The main quality that any leader (boss) wants, is the right way of thinking or, as most people put it, the right attitude. There are two types of thinking; one is for those that actually do get ahead and the other are the ones that are always complaining and are the constant ‘poor me’. I have acronyms for both of these types- you can either be a VERB or you can choose to SOAR. My 8 tips are based around these theories. Let’s start with the people who will never get ahead and the boss will probably never promote (unless they are family); they are the VERBs (my don’t be tips).
DON’T BE
Don’t be a person who is a:
Victim
We all know them. they are the people who are always hard-done by, the ones that never stand up for themselves and always complain without taking control of their lives. In the business world, they are the ones that bad stuff happens to (cue the violin).
Entitled
Bosses are not a fan of this type of person. These people that feel it is their right for a promotion, just because they have been there the longest, not because they are adding value. They are the ones that take every sick day because they are ‘entitled’ to it. They are also that ones who never work a minute after 5pm; and if they do, they go straight to the boss for overtime, because they are ‘entitled’ to it.
Rescue
These people never attempt to find the solution themselves. Their first point of call is to look to someone else for the answer. They are not proactive and don’t show initiative.
Blame
This is the one that bosses hate the most (well I do anyway!) – the blame mentality. If you want an example, then take a look at politicians. Things go wrong in business – it’s normal! But this type of person immediately resorts to finger-pointing, to make sure that the blame never gets directed at them. The reason bosses hate this is because they understand that ‘shit’ happens sometimes, but they love people who take accountability for what they do. Own it and let’s move on.
Now, we are all guilty of fitting into the above categories at times. But if you can mostly SOAR (see below), then you will absolutely succeed in everything you do.
DO BE
Be someone who has:
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Solutions
Bosses love it when you come to them with a solution to a problem. Even they don’t agree, they will appreciate that you are doing your best to solve the current problem.
Ownership
This is the opposite to blame. Bosses absolutely love it when you own what you do right and wrong, they love it when you own your ideas and have conviction. Be proud to tell your boss some your ideas. Most people are just doers, so stand out and OWN IT.
Accountability
In work, you will be given a certain job description and you know what you need to achieve. Be accountable not only for what your do, but add value as well. Have that curious mind to continue to improve and learn. This gives you massive power in your role.
Phrases like “Leave it with me”, “I will sort it out and let you know the outcome”, or “If I need assistance I will let you know” show accountability for your role and how capable you actually are. When I started Boost, there was no one to turn to. It was me alone, and I was accountable for the wins and the losses. Wear both proudly, because if you are not making mistakes you are not trying hard enough.
Responsibility
This is where the real power to achieve lives. If you are responsible for your job, your life, your happiness, your dreams, then you have the power to make anything happen.
Communicate and get in their face!
So you SOAR with the right attitude and you are set for success. But it’s also important to put yourself out there. Make sure you talk to your boss socially, get him/her to get to know the real you, and create opportunities to tell them your ideas. Often your boss has a boss, so make sure they know your name too. Casually put forward our ideas when you have the opportunity. Ask their opinions (bosses love to think that you are interested in their thoughts!).
What if you feel that you ARE doing all the right things, and your attitude is to SOAR, and not be a VERB, but you are still getting nowhere? Keep going, but make a change of direction. Don’t complain about it (easier said than done) and instead make a change (in both your work and your life).
You have the power to create the life you want, so go for it!
These tips were brought to you by Janine Allis, founder of Boost. She’s teamed up with Universal Sony Home Entertainment to celebrate The Boss launching on DVD.