I often ask clients and prospective clients this very simple question: “Are you perfectly clear as to what are the top 3 things that your boss wants you to accomplish over the next 12 months?” In response to this question, I always get one of the following three answers:
- Yes, I am perfectly clear.
- Three things, are you kidding, I have 15 things!
- I think so, but I am not sure.
If the answer is #1, then that person is in alignment with his boss. If the answer is #2, I point out that no one can do 15 things well and that 3 is a reasonable and achievable number. If the answer is #3, then that person needs to find out. So for either answer #2 or #3, I advise them to do the following:
At your next one on one with your boss, I want you to ask them this question: “Just to be sure that you and I are in alignment as to the most important things I should be working on, what are the top 3 things that you want to see me accomplish over the next 12 months?” In response to this question, the bosses always respond with one of the following three answers:
- They immediately rattle off 3 top goals.
- They say: “Good question, let me get back to you.”
- They say: “What do you think they are?”
If the answer is #1, then you now have clarity as to what your boss wants you to focus on and if they are different from the three that you went in with, you have learned some valuable information for focusing yourself going forward. If the answer is #2, then at least you know when you hear back from your boss, that it will be a thoughtful response. If the answer is #3, give it your best shot and look for feedback and affirmation or redirection.
No matter what course this discussion takes, you will have been better served because you will now have clarity and alignment on what your boss thinks is most important for you to focus on in the coming year.