SOMETIMES bosses may be indirect when speaking to their subordinates as they wish to convey a message to them in a subtle way. Some bosses choose to do so perhaps
because they do not wish to hurt their subordinates’ feelings, feel uncomfortable pointing out others’ shortcomings, etc.
Whatever the reason, as a subordinate, you should learn to pick up the hidden message behind the words spoken by the bosses so that you can make the necessary changes or improvements.
I’d rather listen to others’ suggestions
What the boss means: I would rather gather suggestions from other sources than listen solely to you. I need more information so that I can have a clearer picture.
That would probably mean your boss is not impressed by the suggestions and the supporting information that you have provided. Hence, you need to accept the fact that
your information is not sufficient and learn to provide more detailed information for the
next task you take on.
I have had enough solving your problems
What the boss means: I know that part of my job is to listen to your problems and help to
find the solution. However, sometimes you need to find your own solutions and not always
rely on me to solve your problems.
Responsible and capable employees cannot keep relying on their bosses to settle their issues and solve their problems. They have to learn to solve
their own problems otherwise one of these days their boss will ask them to go.
I cannot be entirely honest
with you
What the boss means: I wish I could share the information
with you. However, for the
interest of the company or for legality, I am obligated to withhold some information from you.
I know you are talking behind my back
What the boss means: You may have thought your negative comments about me would not reach my ears. However, one or more of your ‘friends’ have shared the information with me.
Sometimes I wish I was not a boss
What the boss means: I work hard and have sacrificed a great deal to reach this position. There are many things that I have had to forgo as the boss. If I am only a subordinate, I would most probably be a freer and happier soul.
I’d rather you do what I say
What the boss means: I know that effective management involves participation of the subordinates and working together to achieve an acceptable solution. However, sometimes I’d rather you just follow my instructions to make things easier for me.
I do not earn as much as you think
What the boss means: You may feel that every boss earns a great deal and most bosses are highly paid. However, I am not one of them. The truth is I am just like you. I am working hard to pay my bills.
I do not always know exactly what I am doing
What the boss means: Sometimes we cannot always wait until we are 100 per cent sure to carry out certain tasks. There are times we need to take risks in order to get things done.
As long as we are able to grab hold of most of the information, we have to ignore the smaller parts that remain unknown and move on. If not, we will never be able to progress or catch up with our competitors.
I wish for you to be successful
What the boss means: I have invested my time, effort and money on you, my subordinate. Even though I may not truly care for you, I wish for you to be healthy and happy. Only when you are happy and healthy will you be effective and able to produce good quality work for me.
Priscilla Hiu is a career guidance consultant of Gracia Management and a certified behavioural consultant of DISC Personality Profiling System, Institution of Motivation Living, USA and Extended DISC Personality Profiling System, Extended DISC Northgate.