Picking up on subtle cues from your boss

Giving negative feedback, whether it’s to your best friend, a coworker, or the person standing next to you using his outdoor voice while talking indoors on his cell phone, can be awkward. As a result, bosses often do what most of us would do in that situation and avoid it if at all possible. Instead of addressing work-related issues head on, they often try to give you subtle clues with the hopes that you’ll “get the message” without an awkward conversation or, even worse, a heated confrontation.

Don’t get me wrong, as an employee I can definitely say there’s something about not having to hear negative feedback from the boss that sounds pretty attractive. Especially when you think you’re doing a great job. But therein lies the curse. If you don’t pick up on the subtleties, it could end up costing you your job.

Where can you find those subtle hints?

Questions. In speaking with coworkers, and looking back at my own experience, it seems like some bosses use questions as a way to point you in the right direction without coming right out and telling you to do things a certain way. For example, instead of telling you how to manage the project, they might ask you to walk them through your thought process, who will be involved, resources you’ll need, etc. Listen to what he or she is asking (or isn’t asking). If it sounds like your boss is asking questions as a way to guide you in a certain direction, take that into consideration before you respond.

Frequent check-ins. There is usually a strong positive correlation between the frequency of check-ins from the boss and poor performance—especially if your boss is someone who normally lets your team work with a great deal of autonomy. If you notice that you’ve gone from no check-ins, to one a week, to a few a week, to a few a day, you might be in trouble. On the flip side, going from weekly check-ins to no check-ins could also mean your days are numbered. Instead of waiting for them to come to you, ping your boss with preemptive updates. If done properly, they should help build their trust in your abilities.

And sometimes even the not so subtle can seem subtle. You’re hoping to expand your job responsibilities but your boss tells you repeatedly that he or she isn’t ready to have that discussion. But, because you’re focused on your own agenda, you don’t hear it. If that happens more than once, it could force a wedge between you.

Pay attention to the verbal and non-verbal cues your boss might be giving you about your performance. When it seems like he or she is trying to tell you something without coming right out and say it, it’s up to you to listen.

Do-it-yourself job security

If you didn’t get a chance to check out Lindsey Pollak’s guest post, I would encourage you to give it a look. Although her advice on making an impact was geared towards new employees, the tips she shared are things we should all practice whether we’ve been on the job six days or six years-especially given the uncertainty of today’s job market.

Find a barometer. One of the most important things I did at my first job (and something I’ve done in every job since) was to identify a peak performer who was in a position I hoped to someday attain. His name was Tom. He unknowingly served as my workplace barometer. I observed how he presented himself to peers and management and the pace at which he approached his workload. His example taught me that I couldn’t come in revved up and ready to go 1,000 miles per hour without running the risk of alienating my new coworkers and/or burning myself out 10 days into the job. Plus, he’d already done all of the heavy lifting: He knew the politics, how to get things done, and the potholes to avoid-critical insight during an up or down economy.

Build your network from the inside out. This means not only getting to know people within your department or company, but also those at other similar organizations in your geographic area. The benefits of doing so are many. Most importantly, their outsider’s perspective can really come in handy. Plus, if your employer unexpectedly happens to shut the doors (as was the case with my first employer), you will already know other people in the industry who might be able to help you get your foot in the door somewhere else. Looking back to that first job, I wish I would have spent more time networking outside of the company.

Grow. I’ve worked for bosses who have brought opportunities for professional growth to my attention (which was lucky for me because they were ones I wouldn’t have otherwise known about) and others who expected me to find them on my own. If you’ve been in the same position for a few years, think about your next move and the skills and experience you need to get there. Take advantage of opportunities to build your skill set.

Don’t quit your day job. If the writing is on the wall, and you know you’re going to have to make a move, let it be on your terms. Plan an exit strategy. Reach out to a few trusted people in your network to get the ball rolling but don’t quit before you have other options firmly in place. Caution: many of my former colleagues with corporate experience underlined that, in most situations, it’s in your best interest to keep your intentions to leave to yourself.

Use the sputtering economy as a good excuse to reevaluate your job security. What are some other ways you can make sure you’re not caught jobless?