Requisites on seeking management approval

My request to attend an important public seminar was disapproved by my boss. This happened twice in a row in six months. Am I being singled out when my colleagues were given approval to attend the same learning event? — Gray Zone

Don’t compare yourself to others. Better compare yourself with what you’ve accomplished or not accomplished, at least for the past year. Look at yourself in the mirror for whatever you’ve been missing with your boss who may be too timid to tell you about their displeasure in your performance.

The corporate world is a complex environment. There are bosses who send mixed signals. On the other hand, there are managers who would directly berate you, complete with four-letter words, over your inadequacies.

If it is not about your poor performance, there’s a possibility that somebody may have squealed on you for badmouthing your boss. This could come even among trusted friends.

We’re speculating here. There is no other way except for you to be brave enough to ask your boss about the rejection of your request. But if I were you, I would let this minor disappointment go to the dustbin.

TEN REQUISITES
Forget about your disappointment in the past six months. It is better for your mental health. Stop sending similar requests to your boss. Feel your way through. Focus on what you can control like attending free online courses offered by reputable organizations like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Yale University.

You cannot stop your boss and others from making judgments about you. But you can change those negative perceptions by improving your character as a person with the following rules:

One, refresh your image with the boss. Come on time and follow the work standards, resources, and timelines required of you. Know your boss’s expectations and strictly follow them, according to the letter and spirit.

Two, come out with tangible accomplishments. Start harvesting all those low-hanging fruits around you. Solve problems with the minimum investment possible. Show your boss how this could benefit the department and the organization.

Three, be cooperative and professionally sophisticated. Volunteer for the most challenging assignment in the department. You can only do that if you have consistently done an excellent job according to the boss’s expectations.

Four, speak well of your boss and colleagues. Do this without sounding like a bootlicker. Speaking well of others means highlighting their strengths rather than their weaknesses. Finish your sentences with a bright note for everyone.

Five, review your career path and goals. Do you know where you are heading? Are you going to stay long in the organization or move to another employer if there is an opportunity? If you do not know where you are going, then you can end up in places you do not like.

Six, review the company’s promotion system. Knowing the rules is the first step in career advancement. Use the system to your advantage. Study it well and find a way where you can profit from it. Seize the day and create your own future.

Seven, know and capitalize on your strengths. Check your strengths with a friend. Continue to upgrade your skills by reading as many books and online materials as possible. Over time, you will gain an upper hand by using your strengths for the company’s benefit.

Eight, anticipate problems and threats. Learn much about the company’s modern technology and emerging industry practices. Be flexible. Move fast as soon as problems become imminent. Treat them as opportunities for organization’s benefit and career advancement.

Nine, ask a lot of interesting questions. Start by asking a lot of whys. Be diplomatic as you do not want to antagonize people. Whatever approach you use, frame the questions genuinely and sincerely. You will be surprised at how you will discover many interesting ideas.

Ten, be a good and an active listener. An excellent listener is someone who makes eye contact with people. They take notes. They ask many questions. They are also the same people who have the latest data and other supporting documents.

MBWA
Manage by walking around (MBWA) even if you are not in management. Look around for opportunities in your organization. If your boss cannot do the MBWA, do the managers’ walk for them. And report the issues and offer solutions. Whatever you do, never brag about how hard you work.

Do this without being dishonest or unpleasant. Treat everyone with utmost courtesy. Know the people who can assist you. They could help you do an extraordinary job. They include the janitors, receptionists, messengers, and security guards. They are the best people to “consult” when you are doing your MBWA.

Discover the unique value of Rey Elbo’s “Kaizen Blitz” workshop by solving problems without spending much money. Contact him on Facebook, LinkedIn, X or e-mail elbonomics@gmail.com or via https://reyelbo.com