In today’s world, it seems like the boundary between boss and employee is more blurred than ever. As one of the leading employment firms in Miami, Future Force Personnel knows that, as a result, some workers tend to feel overly comfortable with their higher-ups…and could say things that really hurt their careers.
So what are they – and how can you develop and maintain healthy boundaries in your relationship with your boss? Here’s a look:
#1. “That’s not my job.”
If you’re a graphic designer and your boss asks you to clean the toilets, then you can respectfully decline. But other than that, it’s unwise to tell your boss that a certain task isn’t in your job description. Your boss obviously has a need and is looking to you to provide the solution. And just because it’s not in your job description, doesn’t mean you should automatically turn it down. Instead, look at it as an opportunity to increase your value in the eyes of your boss.
#2. “That’s not my fault.”
The last thing you want to do in front of your boss is sound like a whiny teenager. So even if a mistake isn’t your fault, saying something like “Let’s figure out a solution together” or “What can we do to get to the bottom of this?” is much more welcome and productive than trying to point the finger of blame.
#3. “I emailed you about that problem last week.”
If you’ve uncovered a problem at work and emailed your boss about it, then you also need to follow up. Your boss has a million tasks he or she is trying to take care of and one little email may have slipped through the cracks. So if you don’t hear back, then seek your boss out in person to discuss the matter. Don’t think that you’re covered just because you’ve notified your boss via a single email.
#4. “I think you’re really good looking.”
Work get-togethers are an opportunity to get to know your colleagues and boss outside of the regular work environment…however, they can also be verbal minefields, especially if you’ve had too much to drink. So even if you think your boss is feeling it too, resist the urge to have a drunken bonding moment with him or her. In fact, resist the urge to have any drunken moments with people you work with. You’ll be so glad you did.
At the end of the day, having a comfortable relationship with your boss is important; at the same time, it shouldn’t be too comfortable, either. In order to work as an effective team, it’s important to maintain boundaries.
Looking for a Work Environment With More Boundaries?
And if you need some help finding a work culture that sets clear boundaries, give us a call. As one of the leading employment firms in Miami, Future Force can work with you to learn about your career objectives and personality, so we can match you with a job – and an office culture – that’s the right fit for you. Contact Future Force today to learn more.