Joy of joys, I’ve found myself another full-time job. (Why oh why can’t I find fulfilling part-time work while I pursue larger objectives?) My fundamental idea here is to approach the situation as openly and honestly as possible, to avoid the mutual fallout 6 months in.
In every relationship in our lives, we have set expectations from ourselves and the other person. It’s what goes along with the label ‘friend’ , ‘boyfriend’, ‘girlfriend’, ‘wife’, ‘husband’, ‘boss’, and ‘employee’, is an inherent set of assumptions that governs both our behavior and our reaction to the behavior of others. There’s nothing much you can do to CHANGE these assumptions, as they seem to be pretty hard wired.
What you can do is to bring these assumptions to the table. Not during the interview, but after you’ve been offered the job, and ideally, before starting work. For instance:
My idea of being an employee involves working hard and being constantly challenged with a rising line of difficulty. I expect to be well compensated for my time and expertise, to be given the appropriate opportunities to learn and grow, and that any feedback regarding my work performance will be communicated instantly to me, instead of during a yearly review. I choose jobs based on being interesting and full of possibility.
My idea of being a boss involves providing leadership, then delegating decision-making authority and responsibility to the appropriate parties. I expect that people will do what they say they’re going to do, and to give them fair compensation for their work and dedication. I expect clear, honest and open communication regarding any progress, problems, questions, criticism or concerns. I choose employees based on how we get along and what they bring to the table in terms of what I do and don’t know about.
Do this exercise for yourself, and bring it to the table when starting your next job. I’m going to try this for myself today. I’ll let you know how it goes.
UPDATE: The meeting seemed to be very well received. Putting everything on the table helped me understand the challenges of the position. Basically, my boss needs to know when I don’t understand what he’s talking about, and not to be a mindless yes-man. I can do that. I’m the most critical employee you’ve ever seen.
