Vibha Vinodrai | Somatic Leadership Coach for Women

Part 1 was the red flags. Part 2 is about what it looks like when a manager is truly in your corner. After 12 years in corporate, these are the signs I learned to trust.

1. Their appreciation feels genuine.
Not a generic “great job.” They notice the specific thing you did better, improved upon and why it mattered.

2. They see your gaps and your potential, and they tell you both.
You always know where you stand and where you could go. Nothing in your performance review comes as a surprise.

3. They trust you with more responsibility.
Sometimes before you feel ready. Not to test you, but to grow you, and they stay close enough to support you through it.

4. They ask what you want for your career.
Not just what they need from you this quarter.

5. They protect you in rooms you’re not in.
Sometimes you only find out from someone else. A colleague once told me, “He’s very protective of you.” I had no idea and just hearing that made me feel safer in corporate.

6. They own their mistakes in front of you.
Which makes it safe for you to own yours.

7. They let you in on big changes
You get the deets about the changes coming your way so you are prepared instead of blindsided.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’ve never had a manager like this,” you’re not alone. And a lot of this relationship can be built from your side of the table too.

I created a free guide on how to do that, from regulating yourself before the 1:1 to sharing your wins in a way that actually lands.

Comment “Ally” and I’ll send it to you.

#WomenInCorporate #WomenInLeadership #CareerAdvice #CorporateLife ManagerRelationship