I’m glad my white boss says …
1. Thank you
Showing appreciation at work is super underrated! My previous SG boss barely thanked me for anything, not even when I pulled all nighters to send him work. My current boss thanks us for doing our job more often than not. Doesn’t help with the workload but at least he tries to show that he doesn’t take our work for granted.
2. Are we adding value or is this a distraction?
I like how my boss is not obsessed with doing and churning. He takes a step back to consider - is this productive? If it’s not productive, we probably shouldn’t invest so much time or energy in it.
3. You’re preaching to the choir
Can’t count the number of times I hear an idiom when he’s discussing work. Makes the conversation so much more engaging! I’ve always felt that idioms can only be used in storybooks but he’s found a way to spice up work talk.
4. That is a very bad summary.
Because I often lose the forest for the trees, and can’t do a proper summary when suddenly asked to 😩 WIP! Makes me want to learn how he sees both the big picture and the finer details that are material - the key here for me to learn is to identify what is truly relevant without losing sight of the overall goal.
5. Introduce yourselves
He’s not afraid to lets us speak in meetings - that’s how we grow right? How do we get better at selling ourselves and our strengths if we’re just typing notes in meetings and not participating in the conversation - we wouldn’t. Puts me on the spot many times but I guess that’s where I learn to stand on my own feet 🫨 & stop daydreaming!
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Been having many thoughts about work lately 🤯 I’ll probably have more to rant.
In my journey working under a white boss, I’ve realized that leadership style can deeply influence not only our productivity but also our workplace satisfaction and growth. One of the things I’ve appreciated the most is the boss’s consistent habit of expressing gratitude. It might seem small, but hearing 'Thank you' genuinely boosts morale, especially when work gets tough or involves late nights. It reminds me that effort is recognized, which many bosses tend to overlook. Another valuable lesson comes from his question, 'Are we adding value or is this a distraction?' In many workplaces, employees often get caught up in endless tasks without pausing to consider their importance. This simple but profound question encourages us to focus on what truly matters, helping prevent burnout and improving effectiveness. I was also surprised by how frequently my boss uses idioms like 'You’re preaching to the choir' during meetings. It lightens the mood and makes conversations more engaging—something I never expected in a professional setting. It’s a reminder that communication at work doesn’t have to be dry; mixing in familiar phrases can enhance connection and understanding. What’s more challenging but rewarding is learning to give good summaries. My boss’s blunt 'That is a very bad summary' initially stung, but it pushed me to improve my ability to see the big picture while keeping relevant details in focus. This skill is crucial for presenting ideas clearly and making informed decisions. Finally, the encouragement to 'Introduce yourselves' in meetings has been a game changer for me. Being pushed to speak up rather than hide behind notes helped me build confidence and learn how to sell my strengths. It’s scary at first, but it’s the best way to grow professionally and be recognized for your contributions. Overall, working with this boss has taught me more about workplace dynamics, communication, and personal development than I expected. These phrases are not just words; they’re lessons that have shaped my approach to work and helped me see my role in a clearer, more productive light.
