Navigating the corporate ladder involves different levels of dependency on your boss. Understanding your boss’s role at each stage is crucial, whether you’re starting your career or a seasoned professional.
A good boss is always nice to have. But a good boss can also limit you. Well, not really limit as such, but maybe more like, a good boss can make you strategically very lazy? What the heck is she talking about now? I felt lost after my previous boss pursued new challenges in a different company. Not because I didn’t know WHAT to do but because I actually needed to do things myself. Yeah, it doesn’t sound very professional I admit, but I realized that she had had tons of information in her head, and for me, it was easy to ask directly from her. With her gone, I needed to look for that information and build those networks myself. While it has been more work for me, it’s also been enlightening. I have realized that I have reached seniority or maturity where I need my direct leader less and less. But when would you need your boss then?
The Foundation Phase
At the entry level, employees often rely heavily on their boss. New hires need direction on performing their tasks, understanding company protocols, and aligning their work with organizational goals. But is the boss always the right person to give you the information and guidance? In IT, in many cases, the most practical and operational information in many teams is better viewed and taught by seniors. Regular feedback helps entry-level employees learn and improve their skills, but the input needs to be concrete. “You’re doing good” or “Well done” never gives anyone a better understanding of their skill set. Yes, a good boss can act as a mentor, providing career advice and helping new employees navigate the workplace, but you can offer so much more if you add senior team members to the picture.
In the entry-level phase, a supportive boss can help you build a solid foundation for future career growth. One part is knowing what they can offer and what others should offer.
The Growth Phase
As employees move into mid-level roles, their dependency on their boss shifts. Mid-level employees generally have more experience and require less hands-on guidance. Peer support becomes even more crucial for success as mid-level employees work in teams. While bosses still play a role in professional development, here, a suitable corporate culture and peer support start to play a significant role, complementing the guidance provided by the boss.
The Leadership Phase
The dynamics change considerably at the senior level. Senior professionals, such as managers, directors, and executives, often require less day-to-day oversight from their bosses. Instead, their needs and interactions focus on broader strategic alignment and high-level decision-making.
- Senior-level employees need a boss who can provide a clear strategic vision and align the team’s efforts with the company’s long-term goals.
- Empowerment to make decisions is critical at this level. A good boss trusts their senior team to take the lead and supports them in high-stakes decision-making.
- Senior professionals benefit from a boss who can facilitate connections within and outside the organization, helping them expand their influence and achieve their objectives.
The Importance of Supporting Peers at all levels
While having a competent and supportive boss is valuable, peer support and corporate culture at all levels significantly affect employees ‘ success and satisfaction.
At every level, but especially at the senior level, collaborative leadership and peer-ship are crucial since these roles often involve leading cross-functional teams or working in one. Having supportive peers who can collaborate effectively is essential for driving projects to success. Additionally, a corporate culture that fosters innovation, trust, and transparency can significantly enhance job satisfaction and performance. Such a culture enables all levels of professionals to operate effectively and align their strategies and actions with the company’s values and objectives. Peer networks also provide a rich source of knowledge and experience. Employees from all levels can learn from each other’s successes and challenges, fostering a continuous learning environment. Sometimes, you just need to help them to come together and collaborate.
“A master, a teacher, has to say goodbye to his student and give him wings.” Bruce Lee
The role of a boss evolves as employees progress through different seniority levels. All professionals, but especially seniors, thrive in environments where they are trusted to make decisions and lead initiatives. A suitable corporate culture can more consistently provide this empowerment than relying on the suitability of a single boss.
Unfortunately, not every boss is a good boss. Poor leadership can stifle creativity, lower morale, and hinder professional growth. A boss with bad leadership skills can create a toxic work environment, leading to decreased productivity, increased turnover, and general dissatisfaction among employees, ultimately impacting the organization’s overall success.
In essence, cultivating a strong, collaborative culture and fostering peer support should be a strategic priority for all organizations aiming to maximize the potential of any employee, regardless of the level.
