Here's how you can align your goals and expectations with your boss through effective communication.
In technical sales, your success hinges on clear and aligned communication with your boss. Understanding and meeting your boss's expectations while pursuing your own goals can be a delicate dance. But with the right approach, you can create a harmonious working relationship that benefits both parties. It's about expressing your ambitions, actively listening, and finding common ground. Let's explore how you can use effective communication to align your goals with those of your boss, ensuring you both work towards the same vision.
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Brandy SmithCEO @ The Brand Architechs | Government-Operations Security and Technology Security-Cybersecurity
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Aurélie Mollier🌎💡Helping IT companies and startup increasing sales and expanding their markets | Go-to-Market Specialist |…
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Nayan KaleEntrepreneur | Sales Leader Europe | Financial Services | ISV | Telecom | Retail |
Active listening is the cornerstone of effective communication. When discussing goals and expectations with your boss, give them your full attention. Paraphrase their points to show understanding and ask clarifying questions. This will demonstrate respect for their perspective and provide a solid foundation for aligning your objectives. By first understanding their vision and priorities, you can better position your goals in a way that complements the broader objectives of your team and organization.
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Here's how you can align your goals and expectations with your boss through effective communication: Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Ensure consistent meetings to discuss progress, updates, and any concerns. Set Clear Objectives: Define and agree on specific, measurable goals together. Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for and provide feedback to stay aligned. Be Transparent: Communicate openly about your aspirations and any obstacles you encounter. Document Agreements: Keep records of decisions and expectations to avoid misunderstandings. Effective communication builds a strong, collaborative relationship and ensures mutual understanding and alignment.
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I always asked 2 questions whenever I joined a new team to my new boss 1. What is his vision/goals/expectations from his area/territory/role? 2. What is his expectation from me, or what would mean I am doing a great job, how I can help him in achieving his goals? That was the most valuable information to listen to and have as markers in sand.
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indeed listening is the 1st skill that , sales should develop to start his career you'll need to to learn , get trained, understand your tasks & communicate with your client listening to the other party will open ways for you to solve your way on , give you keys to proceed and be able to find the suitable solution
When it's your turn to speak, be clear and concise about your goals and how they relate to your role in technical sales. Avoid jargon unless it's commonly understood in your field. Explain how your objectives can contribute to the team's success and the company's bottom line. By articulating your goals in a way that highlights their benefits to the organization, you're more likely to gain your boss's support and foster a collaborative environment.
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There was a very interesting cultural alignment lesson I was given in our first meeting with a large bank (customer) in Amsterdam. He said 'We Dutch when we say yes it is a yes, when we say No it is a No and when we say maybe it is a maybe.' I guess the British stiff upper lip is probably misunderstood, but the importance of clear communication in a team or an enterprise is as vital as anymother thing to make it a success.
Collaborative goal setting is a powerful way to ensure you and your boss are on the same page. Propose a meeting to discuss and align your goals with the company's strategic direction. During this session, use a shared document or whiteboard to visualize how your individual goals fit within the team's objectives. This collaborative approach not only helps in creating a unified vision but also demonstrates your commitment to the company's success.
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Collaborating with your team and management ensures everyone is aligned, shares insights, and supports each other, leading to better strategies, greater success & more wins.
After your initial conversation, schedule regular check-ins with your boss to discuss progress and any adjustments needed. These follow-ups keep the lines of communication open and show that you're proactive about achieving aligned goals. They also provide an opportunity to celebrate successes and address challenges promptly, ensuring that both you and your boss remain focused on common outcomes.
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This one I believe is quite key and the unglamorous bit which is a hit and miss. I had some great bosses who were very meticulous about follow ups and others who helped me understand the importance of it. With the ups and downs along the way follow up keep things anchored and in perspective.
The business landscape, especially in technical sales, is ever-changing. Be prepared to adapt your goals as new information and circumstances arise. Show flexibility by revisiting and adjusting goals with your boss as needed. This agility not only reflects well on your professional development but also ensures that your objectives continually serve the organization's evolving needs.
Finally, building trust with your boss is essential for aligning goals and expectations. Trust is fostered through consistency, reliability, and open communication. Demonstrate these qualities in your interactions and deliver on your commitments. When your boss trusts you, they are more likely to consider your goals and support your professional growth within the company.
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Instaurer la confiance signifie également pour moi construire la relation. C'est pour cela que je suis convaincue qu'il faut prendre le temps de communiquer régulièrement sur les avancements mais également les blocages ou les questionnements, et ne pas hésiter à se prendre du temps hors du bureau pour cela, par exemple lors d'un déjeuner ou d'un trajet. On sous-estime trop souvent la qualité de ces temps là alors qu'ils sont au contraire important pour construire la relation
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One item that I believe would help with better or more clear communication is research. do your research to understand any regulations that would be of concern if specific software is going into critical environments. Make sure that the customer is not receiving the wrong flavor or brand, especially when it comes to laws or regulations. Research!!!
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This was something which was suggested by a very good former boss to me and it was part of the culture of the organisation too. Have mentors who are peers of your boss or his bosses boss, so they are outside your department or area. That helps widen your horizons, gives an outside view and put things in perspective too.
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What most bosses appreciate from their staff is you can show initiative and able to proactively solve problems. What bosses don’t like is if staff only find problems and without further consideration go to their boss and think it is the bosses job to solve it!
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