If I Was Asked to Give A Commencement Speech

If I was asked to give a commencement speech this is what I would say. 

Learn to Manage Your Boss.

Graduates from this day forward you will have multiple bosses. They will range from the shift boss, office manager to customers - especially if you own a business. There is no escaping the almighty boss. Sorry, that is life so get use to the idea of someone else telling you how to do a job. Ha, they are paying you. When the time comes to hang up your paycheck, remember even volunteers have a boss.

The only person who does not report to someone else is God. 

Over my working career, I have had some wonderful and horrible bosses. They range in age and gender but all have the same traits. They desire to be successful, respected and minor problems to disappear. The winning formula to get though the day is to figure out how to manage a boss.


First, know their goals. What do they want to accomplish? When do they want it done? Look for ways for the both of you to achieve their goals. It could be as formal as a written plan to a lunch meeting discussing what needs to be done. The end result is to be seen as an ally in your bosses' plan for success. When they succeeds, so do you. 

The second piece to managing your boss is to figure out how they like to communicate. Do they need to know every detail? Would a quick overview bring them up to speed? Once you figure it out, adopt their style when you communicate with them. This will show you respect their time and makes them feel you are part of the team. 

If you end up with a crummy boss, know it is only for a short time. People change jobs, promotions and death eventually knocking. Stick with it and next time you interview for a new job also interview the boss to figure out if you two can work together.

Have you had a wonder or horrible boss? If so, tell me all about it.

Sharon, The Mayor