Ever feel like your hard work goes unnoticed? Think of your progress updates like a cricket match’s highlight reel. Skip the boring bits; showcase the sixes, the wickets, the game-changing moments. Your boss cares about impact, not activity. What runs did you score? What partnerships did you build? Your progress updates are powerful tool to build mindshare of your boss.
Here are a few strategies to consider:
1. The Weekly “Results Report”: Focus on the Finish Line
Instead of a laundry list of tasks, send a brief weekly “results report.” For example, instead of saying, “I sent out 20 emails to potential clients,” try, “Secured three meetings with potential clients, which could lead to $X in new business.” See the difference? One focuses on activity, the other on impact. This is like showing your boss the trophy, not just describing the training regimen.
2. Monthly Check-ins: Are We Looking at the Same Map
A monthly summary and a quick chat with your manager can work wonders. Does your boss still agree that you are working on the right priorities? Are there any roadblocks you need help navigating? Think of this as a regular course correction, ensuring you’re both headed in the same direction. A quick 30-minute meeting can save you hours of wasted effort down the road.
3. Meeting Notes: Turning Feedback into Action
When your boss gives you feedback, take detailed meeting notes and circulate them afterward. This shows you’re listening and that you value the input. Even better, the next week’s report should specifically demonstrate how you incorporated that feedback and the positive impact it had. This is like showing your boss you’re not just hearing them, you’re listening and acting on their advice. It builds trust and demonstrates your commitment to improvement.
Example:
Let’s say your boss suggested you streamline a particular process. In your next weekly update, you could say, “Following your suggestion to streamline the X process, we reduced processing time by 15%, freeing up team members to focus on Y.” This shows you took their feedback seriously and the results show the change.
Effective communication with your boss has a ripple effect. It not only helps you get recognized for your work but also builds trust, strengthens your relationship, and creates a more collaborative environment. When your boss is well-informed, they’re better equipped to support you, advocate for you, and give you opportunities to grow.
The Power of Clarity:
Clear communication isn’t about bragging. It’s about ensuring everyone is well-informed about your impact. It’s about making sure your hard work translates into visible results. It’s about building a strong working relationship with your boss based on mutual understanding and respect. Having twelve months of meeting notes will make it easy for you and your manager to agree on the annual appraisal. You and your boss will both have the same information – the results you drove.
Written for my column in Times of India – published 19 Feb 2025
