A Day in Your Boss' Shoes - How it Can Help You Do a Better Job

• 2-minute read •
I'm sure you've asked yourself; "what exactly does my boss do all day?" You may see them in meetings, going out to business lunches or in countless strategy sessions. You may feel your boss does at lot - or perceive all these activities as not relevant to you. In fact, understanding what your boss does can help you perform better at your own job, while appreciating theirs.

Consider the following responsibilities that your boss may take on each day - and see if you aspire to walk in their shoes.

Bosses define and set objectives for their employees - and the company. These objectives can be simple day-to-day tasks or longer-term, strategic goals. Those in management positions look at activities that need to be completed to achieve success. They are responsible for prioritizing daily workloads, assigning tasks, and ensuring that deadlines are met. And ultimately they are accountable for the work being produced by their team - and its impact on the business. This means that they need to be available to their employees from everything to problem solving to help meet deadlines, even if they have to roll up their sleeves.

Bosses are accountable for results. In line with setting business objectives, your boss has to measure each project and is accountable to produce results. This includes keeping their own boss apprised of department issues, interfacing with other departments or being available - even at a moment's notice - for meetings with customers. A good boss takes responsibility for the work being produced by the team, including accepting praise - as well as sometimes blame.

Bosses are mentors and motivators. While this may seem like an obscure responsibility on the surface, remember that being motivated is one of the key factors in job success. From being a daily conduit between you and HR, your problem-solver, to your decision maker, the role of manager is a mentor who helps guide each employee so that work gets done each day - hopefully with minimal disruption.

Bosses represent the company. This may involve leading team meetings, communicating with other departments or relaying important information to you. It is the role of your boss to keep their team up-to-date on key initiatives in the company, what is taking place in the marketplace, and activities involving customers and competitors.

Your boss helps to make you aware of policies and procedures, and that these are communicated to employees. They help build relationships inside and outside the company; serving as a representative with both internal and external constituents.

Armed with this information, the next time you sit with your boss you may have a better understanding of the nuances of their job - and consider if one day you aspire to fill their shoes.

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