In a recent conversation, someone said something incredibly wise to me: “Employees join companies. They leave bosses.”
Wow! This couldn’t be more true. Every day, I meet new job seekers who confidentially share their latest work stress and career drama. Almost everyone — and I mean everyone — is unhappy with their boss!
You may work for a manager who isn’t leading you. They have no vision or clear goals. It leaves your team lost and creates unnecessary conflict and political issues.
Or, maybe your manager doesn’t recognize your contributions to the team. You don’t feel valued. Your manager takes credit for your work and doesn’t give thanks when it’s due.
Some managers make excuses for why you can’t go to training or participate in continuing education, while they nudge your peers to participate. They aren’t helping you to grow your skills.
Do these scenarios sound familiar?
If so, it’s time to pay attention! If your manager doesn’t buy into you today, there’s a good chance that won’t change anytime soon.
Why sit and wait for years for your manager to change their perception when someone else who appreciates you may be right around the corner?
There’s no better time than now to begin looking. And when you do, remember that interviewing is a two way street!
You are interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you.
Pay close attention to how you interact with your new (potential) manager. Observe how they interact with their team. What do their employees have to say about them and their management style?
Do your homework! Look them up on LinkedIn. Do they have written endorsements from co-workers and employees? If so, are they positive and sincere?
Pay attention to how your boss’ personal priorities align with yours. For example, if they don’t believe in long vacations, but you take a week long trip with your family every year, take note. Little differences could cause issues later.
In a previous newsletter, I mentioned that jobs are like buses. Another one is always coming.
If you get the sense that there’s not a connection between you and your new (potential) boss, PAY ATTENTION. Even if you dislike your current job, this is still important to note.
What could be worse than running from one burning building into another one? You will only prolong your heartache — and force yourself to look for another job again very soon.
In closing, if you’re not clicking with your boss, the time to take notice is now. The sooner you start looking, the longer you’ll have to find your “dream job.”
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. Thanks.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
