While the boss is away…

Has your manager jetted off on holiday and left you in charge? 

Being asked to step in while they?re away, be it on business, sabbatical or holiday can be an intimidating prospect – but an exciting one too.

Such an opportunity rarely comes along but when it does, run with it. It?s your chance to prove how valuable and dedicated you are as an employee and that you are ready to step up:

Top tips:

?      Cut back on contact – if your boss is away attempt to handle any queries as best you can, enough to ensure things run smoothly and not contact him/her with unnecessary questions, asking permission or confirming decisions. They may occasionally be checking in on emails – but keep correspondence to a minimum.

?      Use your initiative ? Trust your judgement, without overstepping your role. Be assertive and decisive – and do not rely so much on others. Be one step ahead of the game; don?t wait until your boss asks you to do something.

?      Speak up ? Make your voice heard. Become more vocal in meetings and use the opportunity to engage with people that you may not normally liaise with.

?      The handover ? The day before your boss returns, compile a document that contains a detailed account of the week?s activities, your contribution, and your decisions and highlight any questions that require attention that you have not had the authority to answer. Thus demonstrating you have adequately recorded everything of relevance in order to keep any misunderstandings to a minimum.

?      Request a meeting ? within the first week of their return to discuss your performance, along with any problems that arose. It?s an opportunity to build long-term trust and gain valuable feedback.