It’s dreadful what little things lead people to misunderstand each other.
– L.M. Montgomery, Emily’s Quest
Many years ago I attended my cousin Helen’s wedding in Buffalo, NY. At the reception brunch my wonderful Aunt Sophie regaled the table with her usual good humor, relaying the marital advice she gave the happy couple.
She said, “I told them, for a marriage to be successful, you have to pay attention to the little things.
The problem is that most folks focus on the big things. But the little things in a marriage are the things that will make you or break you.”
If you’ve been married for any length of time, you know how true those words of wisdom ring!
It’s the little things.
When I work with clients I most often find that it’s not the big things that trip them up in their jobs. It’s the basics. Communication. Relationship management. Time management. Setting expectations.
One great example is when it comes to working with managers. Your manager is a big part of your work partnership. Maybe the most important part!
Yet so often people neglect working out the details of the relationship with their managers. They don’t really talk about the workplace equivalent of leaving the cap off the tube of toothpaste.
Yet if you did, you would find a pathway to a more equitable, positive and affirming relationship with your manager.
Your job is not a marriage.
But it’s a big relationship in your life. One that you likely spend more time on than the relationship you have with your partner, spouse, children or parents.
In this week’s Employee Advocate column for the Daily Muse, I help you get to the heart of the little things. I highlight 8 questions you should be asking your boss to help get to the heart of what those little things are.
If you’re in a difficult relationship, these questions may help you “restart” and smooth things out. If you’re a new employee, it will help you get a strong start.
Go here to read the article, then let me know what you would add to the list in the comments below.
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