Have you ever seen someone do great damage to themselves by the way they treated their manager? I’m examining being smart, recognizing managers typically have power to help you or harm you and making sure you avoid some mistakes in dealing with your boss. I’ve covered three mistakes already: Don’t complain about your boss, don’t try to show them up, and be willing to make allowances for generational differences. Here’s the next mistake:

Mistake No. 4: Displaying Negative Attitudes in Meetings

Now, let me begin by saying negative attitudes are always harmful, but I’ve noticed a person who seems to always have some negative comments in meetings can really do themselves great harm. Obviously, you should feel free to express your opinions and suggestions, but often it’s the way you do it that makes all the difference. Someone told me early in my career if you’re going to voice a problem, always follow it with a solution. You don’t want to develop a reputation of always being unhappy with what’s happening. Even if it just shows on your face, it is not working to your benefit. It is not to your benefit to be put in a “I’m never happy” mold.

Proverbs 17:22 gives us some good advice:

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:22).

Keeping a generally cheerful attitude and demeanor will make you more attractive, more appealing, and someone people want to be with. Think about what kind of attitude you generally portray and make sure you come across as a person who sees the glass as half full! Your boss will appreciate that very much, I guarantee.

Mistake No. 5: Not Being Able to Handle Feedback

The only way any of us grow is to become aware of areas in our life that need improvement. That means we need feedback from our managers at times, even if it is a bit hard to handle. For sure, none of us enjoys being told we need to improve, but if you develop a reputation that you can’t take honest criticism, you will stunt your growth as a person and in your career.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid (Proverbs 12:1).

Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise (Proverbs 15:31).

Life-giving correction is the perfect terminology for constructive criticism, even if you feel it was not given in a good way. Be willing to hear and then truly consider any criticism that comes your way. Don’t make the mistake of not being able to handle feedback.