How Do I Help My Boss Without Doing Their Job For Them?
Summary
Executive coach Muriel Wilkins guides Kate, a senior leader frustrated by a mismatched dynamic with her manager. Kate feels stifled because she was hired to help build organizational structure but perceives her boss as micromanaging and unresponsive to her ideas. Wilkins helps Kate reframe the conflict by distinguishing between the "what" of their goals and the "how" of their collaboration, urging her to define what "helpful" means to her boss. The episode concludes with Kate committing to verify her assumptions about her manager’s needs and evaluating whether the role aligns with her profe…
Topics discussed
Sponsors: The RealReal and Everand
Introduction: Kate's career transition and new role
The disconnect: Lack of follow-through on ideas
Role ambiguity: Ownership vs. Support dynamics
Communication styles: Fear of appearing arrogant
Sponsors: Shopify and Alma
Aligning on the 'What' vs. the 'How'
Reframing help: Understanding the boss's needs
Defining rules of engagement and working preferences
Proposing solutions: Weekly updates vs. CCing
Sponsors: Stamps.com and NetSuite
The 'Why': Finding motivation to adapt
Action plan: Testing hypotheses with the manager
Conclusion and Sponsor: Trusted House Sitters
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