design:retail - July 2018 - 30

ask judy:

030

ADVICE FOR CREATIVES NAVIGATING THE WORKPLACE

JUDY BELL

My boss was just replaced by someone new to the
company and I need to give an update on my
current projects. How can I get ready?

FOUNDER
ENERGETIC RETAIL

- Getting Debriefed

Judy: You have a rare opportunity to set the stage for all future meetings,
so open up some time to carefully prepare. First, write a "Five Point Agenda" for the
items you will cover.
1. INTRODUCTIONS: Introduce yourself and ask your boss some questions; is she/he
settled in? What was the culture like in their former organization, etc.?
2. BIO: Write one short paragraph on your background and skills and review at
your meeting.
3. COMPLETED PROJECTS: Provide a few photos of recently completed projects and
offer descriptions, including the names of your collaborative partners.
4. CURRENT PROJECTS: Prepare a chart that lists each of your current projects, along
with columns for description, start date, due date, partners, progress updates and next
steps. Hand a copy of the list to your boss and cover only those of critical importance, along
with photos, materials, etc. Don't overwhelm your boss with details-be brief.
5. QUESTIONS: Write a list of questions about the structure of future meetings. Discuss
how often the two of you should meet; whether it be in person or sometimes on the phone
or through email, etc.
Once you have established this Five Point Agenda format, you can continue to use it going forward, adjusting the content as needed. Your boss will always know what to expect
from you-a manageable, well-organized meeting. The project chart you provide will be
especially helpful since your boss is new to the company, and will aid during meetings with
her/his manager. Now, how do you continue to build this new relationship?
In The Wall Street Journal article, "The Right and Wrong Ways to Manage Up" (April
2018), Sue Shellenbarger describes managing up as "building smooth, productive relationships with higher-ups." To do this effectively, it is important to understand your boss'
communication and decision-making style. Since your boss is new, it will take some time
and tactics to develop a working strategy. You may find Shellenbarger's list of "Rules of
Engagement With Your Boss" helpful: "Figure out and adapt to your bosses' communication styles by watching them interact with others. Avoid escalating problems to the boss too
quickly, before you've tried solving them yourself. When you bring the boss a problem, also
bring at least one potential solution. Avoid overload by asking your boss for help prioritizing projects, rather than by saying no."
Getting to know your boss well over time will generously enrich your collaboration.
Some believe that their good work alone will tell the story, but developing a relationship
where you practice careful listening and offer objective opinions will make a difference.
Consider that leaders want to do just that-lead. If you welcome your boss' suggestions, you
are giving them the opportunity to do their job. You are also making their job easier, and
what boss doesn't want that?

JULY 2018

DESIGNRETAILONLINE.COM

GLOBALSHOP.ORG

I'd like to be more
strategic when I write
emails. Any advice?

- Email Skills Needed

Judy: Strategic email? Bravo to you
in your quest to elevate email communication to a new level. Emails
often are spun off with little thought
given to the impression they will
leave with the recipient. It is clear
that most don't take time to edit their
prose before they click "send." Misspellings and missing words are fired
off into flooded inboxes, erasing the
opportunity to demonstrate one's respect for the reader. Instead, consider
that every email you write is an opportunity to express your personality
and professionalism and maybe even
bring a smile to someone's face.
Emails drop into our mailboxes at
an incessant rate that invites speedy
skimming of subject lines. If they
don't warrant an "open" click, emails
quickly descend down and off the
screen. Subject lines, therefore, are
the single most important element
in an email. Subject lines like "Round
of Applause!" or "Your Thoughts
Appreciated" are likely to arouse curiosity and invite immediate clicks.

http://www.DESIGNRETAILONLINE.COM http://www.GLOBALSHOP.ORG

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of design:retail - July 2018