As we head into a new year, it’s time to adopt better workplace habits—starting with this: support your boss. Whether your boss is a CEO, partner, or entrepreneur, one thing they are not is a mind reader. They may be brilliant and inspiring, but they need clarity and collaboration from their team, not guesswork. In this episode, Molly McGrath, host and Founder of Hiring & Empowering Solutions, shares key strategies to improve your working relationship and make life easier for your boss.
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“If your sentence even starts with ‘I think,’ you do not have the data and the information in a wholly accurate answer.”
– Molly McGrath
The Mindset Shift: Stop Assuming and Start to Support Your Boss
The outdated victim mentality of having a “bad boss” won’t cut it anymore. You can’t expect a time-strapped attorney or high-powered entrepreneur to intuitively understand your thoughts. If you want to succeed and support your boss, you must step up with intention, clarity, and confidence.
10 Things to Stop Doing if You Want to Support Your Boss
These ten actionable shifts will help you create stronger communication and workplace alignment:
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Hold leadership accountable – Entrepreneurs can be shortsighted. Support your boss by keeping them focused.
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Ask for what you need – Be direct and explain why it matters.
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Stop saying yes or making up numbers – Only provide accurate, confirmed information.
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Don’t bring problems without a solution – Want help? Come prepared with ideas.
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Clarify and verify – Miscommunication is costly. Double-check everything.
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Trust your gut – If something feels off, speak up early.
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Have real-time courageous conversations – Don’t let things fester.
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Master the five levels of delegation – Own what’s on your plate.
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Ditch limiting language – Avoid “can’t” and “don’t” in your team vocabulary.
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Be ready for honest answers – If you ask a tough question, expect a tough response.
Support Your Boss with Better Communication
Entrepreneurs and attorneys thrive on data. If you don’t have what’s needed, say: “I’m not prepared to respond right now, but I’ll get you the data ASAP.” That shows respect, not weakness.
If you’re tempted to vent or complain, ask yourself: Do I have a solution in mind, or am I just passing this off? Supporting your boss means solving—not dumping—problems.
Clarify, Don’t Assume
When something rubs you the wrong way, pause and clarify. Don’t make assumptions about what someone meant in an email or a meeting. Instead, take the time to say “Time out. Let’s clarify what was just said.”
Remember: there are always three sides—what was said, what was heard, and what was meant. When in doubt, have the courage to schedule a quick check-in with your boss to clear the air.
Want More Support Strategies?
Looking for more actionable workplace tips and tools? Visit our website, fire.h50.us/~hrgnmpwr/dev2/, where we share free resources to help you lead and grow. Explore more about how to support your boss on our blogs, and tune into one of our weekly podcast episodes for fresh insights on leadership, communication, and team success.
Written by Molly Hall McGrath