What are the most common mistakes executives make when establishing a relationship with a new boss?
They actually think the boss cares about them or their career. Bosses care about themselves. You are an instrument to make the boss’s career better. If you are under the impression that your boss thinks otherwise, you are a fool. It is a business transaction. Your boss, on behalf of the organization, is trying to achieve goals. You are there to help him/her do exactly that. If you do, you should be treated well, compensated accordingly and promoted. Don’t ever believe that your boss thinks any other way. It may sound cynical, but think about it: If you don’t do well and you make the boss look bad, does he keep you around, promote you, give you more money, protect you, even if you are making him look bad? Keep perspective here. How do you walk the line between loyalty and ambition? You advise people never to make the boss feel betrayed – but you relate the story of one ambitious executive who went gunning for his boss’s job by telling the CEO, “My boss is sitting in my chair.” Hello, be
