This post is a 2 for 1.
Part 1
Let’s discuss The Big Picture.
Everyone talks about the big picture.
What is it?
Just how big is it?
Apologies to William S, but that really is the question.
How big is the Big Picture?
There is only one answer.
The picture is as big as it needs to be.
Why’s that?
Because it’s being said to you so you can reconsider what you will now do.
Or rather, so you can jump on board with your supervisor, aka the boss!
And that’s it.
Think of the time you last heard, “Well, I see your point. But you’ve got to look at the big picture. If we did what you suggest (insert anything you’ve ever said or wanted to do here), we’d miss out on…! (insert here whatever direction your boss wants to go today!)
That my friends is the real Big Picture.
It’s telling you that whatever it is you want is the small, narrow view while what they want is a much grander, scenic better version. You’re the black and white (which makes gray) to their technicolor.
And because it’s your boss, that’s the direction you’ll be taking.
But what if the boss is…
Wrong?
Part 2
Here’s how to deal with that.
First, recognize there are those employees who believe everything they’re told by the supervisor. If today they’re told the sky is green and the earth is blue well then yes it is! And if the direction given changes daily, well then that’s just the direction they must go. And they are happy to do so! These people are also hated by all.
There are also those employees who feel the need to overcompensate and advise the boss of every possible pitfall that exists. To warn about everything. Eventually these people have breakdowns because the bosses always do the opposite of what they’ve been forewarned.
I have found a way to bring both sets of employees together.
It stops the hate and the eventual breakdowns.
I’m applying for a patent now.
It’s simple too.
When I’m working I always listen to my boss. *Always.
They’re the people who are giving me direction.
But what if I don’t understand their direction? Or what if it seems yesterday’s direction is now changed today. Are they lying? Or don’t they know what they’re doing?
After a pause and a deep breath or three, I realize they are people just like me. They’re making decisions based on what they know; what direction they’re being given and often are basing their decisions on their own fears and expectations.
This also happens when the bosses are new. As they gain more experience their positions and their directions change.
It took me awhile but I discovered two universal truths in dealing with the boss.
#1 Maybe the Boss actually did know more than me! After all it is theoretically possible. Maybe they had access to the bigger picture, the wide lens view and knew of how my area fit in within the world’s (his) overall larger goal.
Maybe.
Or
#2 Just maybe, they don’t know what they are talking about.
Either way, my only responsibility is to gently let them know my concerns, the risks and anticipated outcomes. And then just do what they tell me.
If I was wrong with my concerns, it’s OK. I’m now apart of the bigger universe!
And if it turns out I was I was right, I saved the day! My boss looks like a frickin genius for listening to me! Win/Win!
Dealing with your boss comes down to these 2 simple rules:
Your boss is:
1. The smartest person on the planet, knowing everything there is to know; or
2. Your boss doesn’t know sh$t.
There you have it.
No more frustration because you don’t understand the big picture, because now you do.
And you now you know the only two ways to deal with your boss.
My work here is done.
Your welcome.
JT
*Just in case they’ve become regular readers of this blog 😉