Dr Froswa’ Booker-Drew answers your questions, putting her years of experience and practice into the goal of solving those knotty problems that beset us, and assuring us: ‘you’ve got this’. If you’d like Froswa’ to look at your particular problem, email it to managingeditor@thebusinesswomanmedia.com.
Question: I’m kicking goals every day, winning clients, boosting profits, coming up with great ideas, and managing projects like a boss. The problem is that my boss never seems to notice. A little feedback would be nice! Amanda J.
Amanda,
You are the epitome of a boss chick! Girl, you are making things happen and doing it BIG! You are kicking a$% and taking names! Congratulations!
One day, I was talking with one of my staff members about love languages. She recently had an experience that reminded her of the importance of recognizing that everyone requires attention and support differently. As much as I try to be aware of providing public praise and private support to my team, I am cognizant in knowing that our needs are as diverse as our world. My need for support and recognition may look different than those I supervise.
I’ve had similar experiences with supervisors like you’ve had. I wanted feedback but it was not as often as I would have preferred. One of my former bosses who is now a mentor shared with me that because of my performance, the belief was that I was knew my value and importance and there wasn’t a need for feedback. In all honesty, that boss wasn’t one who gave praise often to anyone. In my conversations with others, sometimes this is generational. There are those who believe that no news is a sign of good news. They believe if feedback is given, it’s usually for something bad.
In your next one on one meeting with your boss, bring up your projects to get your boss’s thoughts on your progress. Also, share your concerns and need for more feedback. It is your desire to not only know what you could improve upon but also to receive more information to help you continue to do great work. Although you want more feedback, know that you are doing a great job and find ways to encourage yourself when you may not receive the praise you desire. You will have supervisors who will not provide this because they are limited in their capacity or because they assume you don’t need it. Don’t allow that to stop you from shining, lady. This is also an opportunity for you to examine the kind of leader you’d like to become. How will you encourage your staff? How will you deal with differing needs than your own? Just some thoughts for you along your route to greatness, lady. You. Got. This. Congratulations on being a boss! Keep up the phenomenal work!
