Navigating the "What are You Working On?" Question with Your Boss

Talking to your boss can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. You want to sound confident and competent, but not overly boastful. And when the question "What are you working on?" comes up, it can throw you for a loop if you're not prepared. But fear not, with the right approach, this question can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your contributions and communicate your commitment to the company’s goals.

First things first, let's acknowledge the underlying importance of this question. Your boss is essentially seeking clarity on your current projects, how they align with team objectives, and possibly looking for opportunities to provide support or direction. It is also an opportunity for you to affirm your alignment with the organization’s priorities. With that understanding, here are some tips on how to respond to your boss in a way that is both honest and impactful:

Be Concise and Focused

When your boss asks what you are working on, they are likely looking for a brief, but comprehensive summary of your tasks. It's not the time to share every tiny detail about your projects. Instead, focus on giving a succinct overview. Curate your response to highlight the projects that have the most significance to your boss's priorities. For example, "I'm currently finalizing the marketing proposal for Project Z, which should be ready for review by Friday."

Highlight Progress and Results

Leaders are often results-oriented, so when explaining your work, emphasize outcomes. Instead of just saying you're working on a sales report, explain the objective and what you aim to achieve with it, like "I'm compiling the quarterly sales report to identify trends that can help us develop targeted strategies for the next quarter."

Align with Company Goals

Always seek to connect your work with the broader goals of the company. This demonstrates that you are not just busy, but are busy doing things that matter to the organization. If your company prioritizes innovation, you might say, "I'm researching emerging tech trends to inform our innovation roadmap and keep us ahead of the competition."

Be Prepared to Offer Details If Prompted

While the initial answer should be brief, be prepared to expand on any project if your boss shows further interest. If they ask for details, that's your cue to share more specifics about your role, the challenges you've faced, and any support you might need. For example, "On the customer retention project, I've identified a potential issue with our follow-up process and am working on a strategy to improve our touch points with clients."

Show Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm can be infectious, and showing excitement about your work can have a positive impact on how your response is received. However, it's important that your enthusiasm is genuine. You might say something along the lines of, "I'm really passionate about the branding initiative for our new product line, as I believe it will significantly boost our market presence."

Practice Active Listening

After sharing what you're working on, pause and listen. This is your chance to gain insights into your boss’s perspective and to receive guidance. Active listening can help you understand their priorities and expectations, and you'll be better equipped to align your efforts accordingly.

Proactively Address Delays or Challenges

If there are any issues or delays with your projects, it's best to address these proactively. Provide a brief explanation and, if possible, suggest a solution or request assistance. Transparency can build trust, and it demonstrates that you are taking responsibility for your work.

Stay Positive

Finally, maintain a positive tone throughout your conversation. Even if you're facing challenges, frame them in a way that shows you're taking them on with a problem-solving attitude.

The "What are you working on?" question is not a test but an invitation to communicate with your boss about your current projects. With clear communication, you can transform this simple query into a dialogue that can advance your career and strengthen your relationship with your employer.