{{B}} APPLYING FOR A NEW BOSS{{/B}}
When I went off to college, I got one piece of advice from my father: "It doesn't matter what courses you take, just find the great professors." Sure enough, I soon discovered that all subjects were interesting, as long as I had good teachers. Great teaching is not limited to school, though. An excellent boss can do the same thing, turning every day into a learning experience. He can give you confidence, making you more willing to ask a question, take on responsibility, or even suggest a change in some out-of-date company policy. {{U}}(8) {{/U}}.
My advice, then, is not to interview for the right job. Instead, interview for the right boss--not a best friend, but someone who is willing and able to help you grow professionally.
What are some signs of the wrong boss? Well, anyone who:
· is surrounded by the same team year after year. If you're such a good teacher, why aren't these people moving on to better positions?
· lacks a sense of humor. Life is short. Work is hard. Let's lighten up when the mailroom loses a package, OK? {{U}}(9) {{/U}}.
· loves typing, and has a hatred toward talking. {{U}}(10) {{/U}} Who are the best bosses I've had?
Angela, my first boss out of college, was smart and direct--she was not afraid to call a spade a spade. She ruffled feathers around the company, but would readily let me in on what she thought and why. She'd been there 30 years but was still a busybody--I loved that.
{{U}} (11) {{/U}} Trust your instincts. Be yourself and see if he is someone you want to learn from for a couple of years. If that person is dull, distant, or passive in an interview, guess what they're going to be like Monday through Friday.
Interviewees are on their best behavior in that type of climate, but so are interviewers. You don't like what you see? The power is yours--go and check out other bosses before you jump aboard for the long run.
Churchill divided people into two groups--those for whom work is work and pleasure is pleasure, and those for whom work is pleasure. {{U}}(12) {{/U}} If you're in the same group, then he could very well be just the teacher for you.
A But how do you know when you've found the right boss?
B There's no reason to get your nose out of joint.
C Why are you continually emailing me when I sit across the hall?
D Great teaching is not limited to school, though.
E In short, a great boss knows how to teach.
F Whichever you are, my recommendation is to make sure you know where both you and your boss belong.
G A great boss both gives and earns respect.