Never assume what your boss thinks

People who spend their time working—and working hard—often make an assumption that their boss knows how hard they work. It is not necessarily true, and speaks of a juvenescence for those who have not learned how to promote themselves.

Your boss has a few hundred things to do, and it is not likely he or she is fully aware of the hours you put in at the office (certainly not at home) and quite honestly, they seldom are concerned about it unless it becomes an issue. You are not likely to impress your boss by being the last one to turn the lights off at the office, or being the first to turn them on in the morning. You have a job to do, and in delivering above what is expected—in a manner that the boss wants it done—is the primary goal. And being able to let the boss know; nicely, professionally, and collaboratively, is perfectly OK.

As I have said, if you don’t toot your horn, no one hears the music.. But many figure that all they need to do is bust their behinds and that is enough. It isn’t. I met with a senior finance person the other day, and we talked about one of his dotted line reports to global HQ. “How does he think you’re doing?” I asked. “I’m sure he knows I’m doing well,” he replied. “How do you know? Do you speak with him often, and when you do, do you tell him exactly what you have accomplished?” “No, but I’m sure he knows—I know him quite well, and have worked with him for years.”

Maybe, maybe not, and an innocuous statement, but within large global companies you have to keep your finger on the pulse, and your face in front of others, all the time. Never assume your boss—or anyone else in power (and power, by the way, could be anyone in the company) knows what you’re working on—you gotta let ’em know.. It makes a difference.