In THIS IS IT, Michael Jackson sings the wonderful song Man in the Mirror. It’s all about change starting with ourselves; looking in the mirror and seeing who we are, what we are, and working to improve ourselves. To get the most out of feedback from our colleagues or our friends, we first have to look in the mirror and try to see ourselves as we really are. To assess ourselves with clarity.

Some important areas for quick self assessment: time management communication anticipating your boss’ needs. Today we will focus on the work skill of anticipating your boss.

Ask yourself:

• Do you take time at the end of every day to review what your boss will need from you to do his/her job tomorrow or this week?
• Do you check what regular meetings will need your input, what regular reports are coming due your boss needs?
• Do you schedule time in your day for your bosses priorities? Do you worry about how to make the bosses job easier?

This may seem old fashion and not necessary in a connected/casual world. I can assure you it’s not. Be Radar from MASH! Radar did his job with diligence and consistency, with two very different men as his CO: Colonel Blake and Colonel Potter. He did not judge them, he accepted and respected them and organized his job around their strengths, priorities and foibles.

So ask yourself and your colleagues:

• Do I make my boss’ day easier?
• Do I offer to take on part or all of one his tasks?
• Do I come with problems not briefings and actions?
• Do I deliver ahead of schedule?
• Is the boss always waiting on me for my deliverables? (Yikes!)

Look in the Mirror, assess yourself with clarity, and then go get that feedback.