It’s a frustrating fact of employment that often, your boss will miss out on important information when telling you about your job. Some of this is for their own benefit, although other pieces of information just don’t need to be shared, and it wouldn’t be professional to do so. To show you what we mean, here are 16 things your boss won’t tell you about your job.
Networking Matters More Than You Think
Your boss might not stress it, but as Erin Urban writes via Linkedin, who you know can be just as important as what you know. Building relationships within and outside your company can open doors that your skill set alone might not. Ultimately, this makes networking one of the hidden factors in many career advancements, so don’t overlook it.
Your Performance Reviews Might Not Reflect the Whole Picture
Believe it or not, performance reviews are often more about company policies than your actual work. Sometimes, your boss is required to hit quotas, meaning the feedback might not truly reflect your contributions. The comments could be more about balancing ratings than providing a clear picture of your abilities, so don’t take it personally if that’s what you receive.
Promotions Aren’t Always Based on Merit
When it comes to career development, getting ahead isn’t just about doing great work. Office politics, timing, and even who you know can play significant roles in deciding who gets promoted. Your hard work is essential, but it might not be enough if you’re not aware of the bigger picture.
Job Security Is Often an Illusion
Watch out because the sense of security you feel in your job might not be as solid as you think. Even if you’re doing well, external factors like company restructuring or market changes can impact your position greatly, so it’s important to stay adaptable to maintain your career stability.
Your Boss Is Not Always in Control
It’s easy to assume your boss has the final say, but often, they are also navigating pressures from higher-ups. They may have to follow directives they don’t fully agree with, which can affect their decisions regarding your work and career path. So, if they’re barking orders at you, give them a break.
Salary Isn’t the Only Form of Compensation
While salary is crucial, other forms of compensation, like benefits, work-life balance, and professional development opportunities, are equally important. However, your boss may not always highlight these aspects, but they can significantly impact your overall job satisfaction and career growth. Have a chat with your boss about this, because it’s difficult to understand on your own.
Feedback Can Be Politically Motivated
Contrary to popular belief, not all feedback is given to help you grow. Sometimes, feedback is influenced by office politics, and your boss might offer advice or criticism that serves their interests more than yours. However, as long as you understand the context behind such feedback, you’ll still be able to better navigate your development.
You Might Be More Replaceable Than You Think
Nobody wants to think about this, but even if you’re excelling, there’s always someone else who could potentially do your job. Your boss may not mention this, but recognizing it can keep you motivated to continually improve and demonstrate your unique value to the team and company. Don’t take your position for granted.
Work-Life Balance Is Often a Personal Responsibility
Your boss might encourage a strong work ethic, but they may not emphasize the importance of balancing work with personal life. Often, it’s up to you to set boundaries and ensure that your job doesn’t overshadow your personal well-being and happiness. This is why it’s so important to talk to your boss if you feel that your workload is getting out of hand.
Job Titles Don’t Always Reflect Actual Responsibility
Another thing your boss won’t tell you about your job is that the title on your business card might not fully capture your role’s scope. Sometimes, you might be handling responsibilities far beyond what your job title suggests, and your boss might not openly acknowledge this. Being aware of your actual contributions is crucial because this way, you can ensure you’re being fairly compensated.
Your Boss Might Be as Stressed as You Are
It’s easy to assume that your manager has their life organized, but managing a team comes with its own set of challenges, so they’re probably dealing with pressures you’re not aware of. Their stress can sometimes influence how they interact with you and make decisions, even if they don’t openly discuss it.
Training Is Not Always a Priority
Although training is crucial for growth, your boss might not always prioritize it due to budget constraints or a focus on immediate results. This means you may need to take charge of your own professional development to ensure you’re continually improving your skills. Either way, it’s worth doing for your own career.
Success Often Requires Going Beyond Your Job Description
Frustratingly, your boss might not ever tell you that simply doing what’s in your job description usually isn’t enough for advancement. Taking initiative, solving problems, and contributing in ways that go beyond your defined role can set you apart and lead to more significant opportunities, so try to go the extra mile.
Office Politics Are Inevitable
Whether it’s discussed openly or not, office politics are a reality in most workplaces, and finding your way around them amicably often requires a level of social intelligence that your boss won’t teach you. Being aware of the dynamics at play can be crucial for your career; as a general rule, just don’t get involved.
Job Satisfaction Is Partly Up to You
While your boss can certainly influence your job satisfaction, much of it depends on your perspective and actions. Finding meaning in your work, seeking out challenges, and creating a positive work environment for yourself can make a significant difference in how you feel about your job.
Your Long-Term Goals Might Not Align with the Company’s
Above all, it’s important to realize that your boss may not bring up the fact that your personal career goals might diverge from the company’s objectives. They need you on their team, so they’re not going to be willing to tell you this, so make an assessment yourself. It’s important to regularly assess whether your current role is helping you achieve your long-term ambitions and to make adjustments as needed.