Supervisory Leadership

Is steering clear of things that tick off your boss the best path to success?

Like many other questions about boss/subordinate relationships, the answer to this one is a rousing "it depends."

The general rule is that ticking off someone who has power over you is a bad idea. But there are exceptions to this because sometimes the thing that ticks off the boss needs to be done or needs to be said for everyone's good.

There's a more important question to be asked: "Is your boss willing to hear hard and necessary truth?" If the answer to that one is "No," you need to find another boss.

And, what if you're the boss? Then know this. Your people watch you like a hawk, they listen to what you say. They know what you really want, even if you don't tell them.

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