Why it’s necessary to align with your superiors?

After reading this lesson's title, one might think, what's the big deal, as it looks self-evident. So, why is there an entire article on it?

How frequently have we heard people stating bosses being biased or stories on favoritism? Have we overheard people questioning a person's capabilities advancing the corporate ladder and holding them as a sycophant or a puppet in the hands of one's bosses?

It's as if aligning with your boss is entirely improper.

But, here is something I learned from one of my recent mentors. He attributes his progress to one paramount quality. He has demonstrated past several years during his corporate journey, i.e., he has always been aligned with his boss and has strived to follow in his superiors' footsteps. He says

Your superiors will essentially direct you to do what their managers would cascade and what they talk about is what the company's management desires as part of their fundamental strategy. So in a way, your bosses are the conduit to align you with the company's vision & mission.

I am not stating that you should not place your perspective or raise doubt if you feel something is not transpiring rightly. But after knowing the core purpose, execute the task or project with total dedication.

Here is what I learned on how to approach a particular task or project assigned by superiors :

• Record each assignment given to you and maintain a close track

• Learn the larger purpose behind it

• Think about how you can accomplish the task by exceeding expectations

• Give your best to complete as outlined

• Refresh your superior regularly on the status of long duration projects

• Keep seeking feedback and inputs on progress

• Most importantly, periodically confirm the closure to your manager

I have explained in this article the most fundamental expectation of any supervisor from their team members and the most manageable to perform.