What do you do if you're struggling to understand your boss's expectations and priorities?

1 Seek Clarity

When you're uncertain about what your boss expects, the first step is to seek clarity. Arrange a one-on-one meeting to discuss your concerns. Prepare specific questions that address your uncertainties. For example, if you're unsure about the priority level of various projects, ask your boss to rank them or explain the company's strategic goals behind each one. Remember, asking for clarification is not a sign of incompetence; it's a proactive approach to fulfilling your role effectively.

2 Communicate Often

Frequent communication with your boss is key. Don't wait for quarterly reviews; instead, establish regular check-ins to discuss your progress and align on priorities. Use these opportunities to confirm that your understanding of the tasks aligns with your boss's expectations. It's also a chance to demonstrate your progress and get immediate feedback, which can prevent misalignment and ensure that you're always working on what matters most.

3 Understand Goals

To effectively meet expectations, you need to understand the underlying goals driving them. Ask your boss about the broader objectives of your projects and how they tie into the company's vision. This will help you prioritize tasks and make decisions that align with these goals. Knowing the "why" behind your work can also be a great motivator and provide a sense of purpose in your daily tasks.

4 Reflect on Feedback

Feedback is a valuable tool for understanding your boss's expectations. When you receive feedback, reflect on it deeply, even if it's critical. Consider the implications of this feedback on your work and how you can use it to improve. If something isn't clear, don't hesitate to ask for examples or further explanation. This will show that you're committed to meeting expectations and improving your performance.

5 Adjust Your Approach

If you've received feedback that indicates a mismatch between your work and your boss's expectations, it's time to adjust your approach. This might involve changing how you prioritize tasks, the way you report on progress, or even the methods you use to complete work. Be open to trying new strategies and be patient with yourself as you adapt. Change can be challenging, but it's often necessary for growth and success.

6 Offer Solutions

When discussing expectations with your boss, don't just focus on the problems; offer solutions as well. If you're struggling with resources, suggest a plan for how you could better manage them. If the issue is with time management, propose a new schedule or system that could help. By being solution-oriented, you demonstrate not only that you understand the expectations but also that you're actively working to meet them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?