Re: The New Job

[bradcathey]

As an employer, I crave communication with my employees. Not because I'm nosey, but I want to know if they are having problems, issues, victories, progress, etc. Their time is valuable, and if they are spending all day on something that should take 3 hours, then I want to know about it. I give them the old "cut-your-loses" speech. Sure, they need to stretch to solve problems, but when the meter is ticking, there is a time to come to the boss and get some direction.

For instance, I have a relatively new programmer working for me right now. He will spend hours trying to find a bug, but I'll walk in and spot a tiny oversight immediately. I'm glad he's not afraid to try to solve it on his own, but you need to know when to go for help.

Just today, a customer was beating up on one of my designers. I didn't know about it until much later, and after much gnashing of teeth and lost productivity. I told my designer that when something seems amiss, let me know so I can confirm it, negotiate with the customer and get things back on track.

All that to say, be communicative.

[Anonymous Monk]

Here's a powerful tip that will make your boss think you are a superstar: At all times, be able to give a 20 second answer to the question, "How's it going?" that is centered on the miracle you just pulled off and how you are saving the project with what you are working on. Your manager only has 20 to 60 seconds. Be sure you include some phrase like, "I've got it under control," or the manager will go into problem solving mode. (Problems rub off on YOU in the manager's mind.) You have to think up these miniture stories beforehand. BS will not work.