Swallow the frog for your boss

Here’s what I mean by that:

a. Observe your boss.

b. Figure out what they hate doing.

c. Learn to do it.

d. Take it off their plate.

We all know that every boss has that one thing they really dislike—whether it’s putting together reports, scheduling endless meetings, chasing down approvals, or handling some mundane administrative tasks. It can be frustrating for them, and these responsibilities often weigh heavily on their time.

Your role? Pay attention and be observant. Look for those tasks that seem to burden your boss, and consider how you can step in to make their life a little easier.

Once you’ve identified a task, don’t wait for them to hand it to you. Approach them with compassion and say, “I’ve noticed this takes a lot of your time—would it help if I took care of it for you?” And then, genuinely take on that responsibility.

Why does this matter? You’re doing more than just completing duties; you’re alleviating a pressure point for your boss. By freeing up their time, you allow them to focus on the bigger picture while also showing that you genuinely care about the team’s success.

If you make this a consistent practice, you’ll likely notice something wonderful: your boss starts to rely on you more. You become the person they trust, the one they can count on to lighten their load. And when new opportunities for growth or promotions come along, who do you think will be at the forefront of their mind?

It’s not merely about having all the answers; it’s about being a helpful and dedicated team member. By offering to help with the tasks your boss finds daunting, you not only advance your career but also foster a supportive and collaborative work environment.