Ten Questions You'd Better Ask Your Boss - Forbes.com

Ten Questions You'd Better Ask Your Boss - Forbes.com

Forbes.com

Ten Questions You'd Better Ask [Or Learn About] Your Boss

Susan Adams, 01.04.11, 06:00 PM EST

Excerpts:

Joe Magee is an associate professor at New York University's Stern School of Business, where his focus is power and politics within organizations. In order to be successful at work, Magee recommends employees get curious about their boss' backgrounds, goals, values and day-to-day management styles. To that end, he's come up with 10 questions he recommends all workers ask their bosses.

1- What was your boss' previous job?

How much experience does she have?

2 - How did your boss get her current job?
Did someone get fired? Was she hired from the outside? Did she get promoted by default?

3 - What are your boss' career aspirations?
What does she see as her next step?

4 - What does your boss value in the [their] job?
Power and status? Intellectual gratification? Money?

5 - Where does your boss fit in the greater office power structure?
Is her political capital on the rise, or on the wane?

6 - What kind of a relationship does your boss have with her boss?
How good is it?

7 - Does your boss advocate for her staff?
Does she push to get her people promoted? Will she protect you?

8 - What is your boss' management style?

Is she a micromanager or hands-off chief?

9 - What does your boss value most in her direct reports?
Creativity? Attention to detail? Efficiency?

10 - What matters most to the boss outside of work?
Is she focused on her family, her hobbies, religion or politics?

Access Content Source: http://www.forbes.com/2011/01/04/questions-ask-boss-leadership-careers-workplace.html?partner=daily_newsletter

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http://dreamlearndobecome.blogspot.com This posting was made my Jim Jacobs, President & CEO of Jacobs Executive Advisors. Jim also serves as Leader of Jacobs Advisors' Insurance Practice.