In today’s management lesson, we talk about the importance of letting your supervisor or manager to take the lead in discussions, decisions, or interactions. Letting your boss have the first say is an advice based on the principles of respect, hierarchy, and effective communication in a professional setting. Here’s a short story, followed by our perspective on the situation.
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out.
The Genie says, “I’ll give each of you just one wish.”
“Me first! Me first!” says the admin clerk. “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.”
Puff! She’s gone.
“Me next! Me next!” says the sales rep. “I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.”
Puff! He’s gone.
“OK, you’re up,” the Genie says to the manager.
The manager says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch.”
Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.
Our management lessons highlight different perspectives on workplace dynamics. Allowing your boss to have the first say emphasizes respect, effective communication, and active listening in a professional setting. By letting your boss have the first say, you ensure that you are aligned with your boss’s priorities, you demonstrate your willingness to listen and receive their input, and you gather important context about the situation. It is a common courtesy that can help maintain a positive working relationship with your supervisor and facilitate better collaboration within the workplace.