Very interesting and thought provoking. Reminded me of something I heard a long time ago but can't remember the source. Used this line in interviews and never failed to get a positive reaction. My job is to make my boss's job easier, and to make them look good (never make them look bad). I also would say my greatest weakness was chocolate (but that's another story). I had a supervisor once tell me "I focus on my employees' strengths, not emphasize their weaknesses.
As for the job to make the boss look good - that is so darn insightful. Whenever I guide account managers and client support people, I always tell them to think of their job as making their client look good to their boss, and their boss look good to the company.
It’s an important mindset switch - instead of trying to make your own company look good, you’re trying to make the client look good at their company.
Excellent post, Jeff! Reminded me of a quote by Mary Parker Follett from 100 years ago:
– Leadership is not defined by the exercise of power but by the capacity to increase the sense of power among those led. The most essential work of the leader is to create more leaders.
Very interesting and thought provoking. Reminded me of something I heard a long time ago but can't remember the source. Used this line in interviews and never failed to get a positive reaction. My job is to make my boss's job easier, and to make them look good (never make them look bad). I also would say my greatest weakness was chocolate (but that's another story). I had a supervisor once tell me "I focus on my employees' strengths, not emphasize their weaknesses.
Hahaha. The chocolate weakness. Hilarious.
As for the job to make the boss look good - that is so darn insightful. Whenever I guide account managers and client support people, I always tell them to think of their job as making their client look good to their boss, and their boss look good to the company.
It’s an important mindset switch - instead of trying to make your own company look good, you’re trying to make the client look good at their company.
Thanks so much for sharing Suzie!
Excellent post, Jeff! Reminded me of a quote by Mary Parker Follett from 100 years ago:
– Leadership is not defined by the exercise of power but by the capacity to increase the sense of power among those led. The most essential work of the leader is to create more leaders.
Thank you Thomas! Glad you liked it. And that’s a great quote! I hadn’t heard it before but it’s spot on.