It is not often easy for a new employee to show value…and then often they don’t feel valued. This is an important time for communication. It’s even tougher when the boss doesn’t really understand the role well…

Here’s our “wow” for this week: This Wow! goes out to — who knew he had value to add and needed to remain persistent in showing this.

Why is this “wow!”? Have you ever had a job in which your boss was not an expert in your role… and it seemed that your expertise was not valued, perhaps because of this? We certainly strive to listen and understand, and be patient with new employees as they find how to best show their strengths.

—, you came into a role of data center tech, but did not have the luxury of learning from the person before you. On top of that, while I, “the boss,” have provided specifics of what I expect to change and improve about the data center…and when I need it by … I cannot provide a roadmap of exactly how to get that done. You have needed to be confident in your expertise, good at communicating what you will do, and diligent in doing so as to meet the deadlines set.

Why is it important? Taking over work that someone else started is never easy. And this can be especially difficult when outcomes are expected but the roadmap is not given, and perhaps not even well-understood by the person that will measure your performance. You have “here” and you have “to be”… and it is only your skill, knowing enough about the issues to set realistic deadlines and focusing on making improvements one by one until the desired outcome is realized within the deadline … that will show your value. No one is going to pat you on the back for what you know, beyond landing the job. The kudos come when knowledge and skills… are smartly applied … to get the right stuff done right.

Congrats, —! You hung in there, took the right actions and it is with great pleasure that I send my appreciation.