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My Boss Is Better Than Me
I've been in a new job for just over 5 months and have found that I can spend a few days working on something only to find that my boss can make 2 phone calls and complete the same task!
Granted he has worked in the job for 10+ years. How do I stop beating myself up about this?
Jon
Comments
If you admire the way your boss works, it's a great opportunity to watch him and learn! You've only been in the job for a few months: it takes time to settle in and learn how the company operates.
For example, you could analyse how he handles a task and then use the knowledge to improve what you do. Don't be afraid to ask his advice on specific tasks on the best way to approach them. It's also worthwhile remembering that everyone has a different working style and strengths, perhaps you are more thorough in your work.
Rebecca - March 6, 2008 9:02 PM
Yes. Added to what Rebecca mentioned, don't forget to take notes. I've noticed that some people don't take notes and then end up doing the same mistakes over and over again. There's a learning curve for everything.
Mike - March 11, 2008 7:00 PM
Don't beat yourself up over it, experience comes with time. Make mistakes and learn by them.
damian miles - April 6, 2008 10:49 PM
Mistakes Happen, how fast you are to learn out of it is the real question.
Hussain Ahmed - April 17, 2008 8:16 PM
The 'weight of rank' can help a lot to get a job done. Who knows, he may be upsetting a few people to get the task completed, whereas others will admire your tenacity and you will end up learning through repetition.
You've nothing to worry about.
Hafeez - May 16, 2008 10:40 AM
That's why he's your boss!
jmp - May 20, 2008 3:55 PM
Don't worry. Since the Boss has more access to information from all corners, he is able to judge the situation in a much better manner and decide. Unfortunately, you are not in such a position. This also means that the company you work for is small sized, where dependence is more on 'informal' means of communication. The fact that you are still able to do a job in a few days shows that you are capable of doing a piece of work on sketchy information........sign of a rising sales star.
cheers,
Vikram Razdan - May 24, 2008 12:36 AM
Jon, 5 months into a new job, and you're still spreading your wings and making contacts. Use Rebecca's advice, and watch and learn how your boss deals with situations, then adapt the ideas to suit yourself. Never be afraid to ask for advice from your boss - it doesn't show incompetence, it shows initiative and a desire to learn, and will also flatter your boss. Also, start making new contacts, get them 'on your side' and use them! Knowing who to call if you have a problem isn't always the answer to a problem if you don't have a rapport with them; knowing who to call to call if you have a problem, and knowing that they have similar interests to yourself, and you can afford to spend a minute passing the time of day can work miracles - be confident!
Pete - June 3, 2008 4:44 PM
Rebecca,
You are in a perfect place. Ask your boss to be your mentor. Ask him to look at what you do and then provide feedback.
Easy - and his respect for you rockets
Adam Initiate Sales Recruiter
Adam Hardman - June 5, 2008 4:15 PM
My advice!
Always ask the high roller for sales tips! You will only learn by reaching out of your comfort zone. Always try new approaches until you found something that works for you. A good listener is a brilliant student.
I still have a lot to learn! I am a good listener!
Sokol Sales Guru - June 30, 2008 3:29 PM
This is a tricky one...in my situation i AM the boss!
With my 8 years of Recruitment i can do anything in 2 calls that will take my staff half a day...sometimes half a week. This isn't a problem.
To a degree it makes me feel a bit more important, but remember us 'old hands' have learned to do it in 2 calls because we can't be bothered to put in all the groundwork any more, so to a degree we get lazy. The most important thing is that your boss put in all the groundwork once upon a time, to get to the level they are at now, and that is a process you need to go through. Recruitment, like any other business you are new to, it's hard work, and sometimes not pleasant, but you have to do it. The faster you do it, the quicker it gets done and you don't have to do it again." - In other words, make more calls and experience more. Make more mistakes - as many as you can, and learn from them simply because they have to be made in order for you to learn. The reason your boss is so good is because they made every single mistake it is possible to ever make again, and now they know the easy way. The only way for you to get to that point and stop beating yourself up is to start shovelling. Make the calls, expose yourself to more, bump into every brick wall just as fast as you can, because once you've done it, you'll be every bit as good. How long that takes depends on you. Just learn as you go. You'll soon see success and reward that comes with focused groundwork, i promise you.
And remember your boss isn't expecting you to do the same thing the same way.
Us bosses don't want everyone to be a '2 call' miracle worker. After all...that's what we're there for!
Ricky - August 18, 2008 8:22 PM
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daniel.osborne - October 3, 2008 9:40 AM
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daniel.osborne - October 3, 2008 9:45 AM
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daniel.osborne - October 3, 2008 9:47 AM