Ever wonder what your boss is really thinking?
Sometimes it’s not just about what’s said, but what goes unspoken.
After doing business for over 14 years and hiring more than 200 people, I have a list of things I notice but do not often share directly with my team.
But these things are important for my team to realize and perform accordingly.
I am pretty sure most business owners or CEO/COO think almost the same way.
By knowing these things you can prepare yourself and ensure a growth oriented career.
Let’s start….
1. Bosses Observe Every Little Thing
Bosses usually see more than you might realize—your attitude, how you handle pressure, and even those extra efforts you put in.
All these small actions add up, creating a bigger picture of who you are as part of the team.
2. They Appreciate Solutions, Not Just Problems
It’s helpful when you bring up issues, but stopping there isn’t enough. Like-minded CEOs appreciate it even more when you come up with ideas to fix them.
Even if your solutions aren’t perfect, it shows you’re trying to solve the problem, not just report it.
3. They Value Initiative Over Just Following Orders
Doing what you’re told is fine, but it stands out when you take initiative without being asked.
Whether it’s suggesting a new idea, offering to help, or finding a better way to approach something, being proactive makes a strong impression.
4. They Want You to See the Bigger Picture
Your work fits into a larger purpose. Bosses value it when you understand how your role connects to the company’s long-term goals.
It shows you’re thinking beyond just your tasks and seeing how everything ties together.
5. They Don’t Always Say “Thank You” for Every Little Thing
Sometimes you won’t hear a “thank you” for doing what’s expected, but that doesn’t mean bosses don’t appreciate it.
There’s just a lot going on. Know that your efforts do matter, even if they don’t acknowledge them every single time.
6. They Notice How You Treat Others
How you interact with colleagues, clients, and support staff says a lot about you. Most of the bosses see if you’re respectful, fair, and willing to collaborate.
Treating others well builds trust and reflects your character.
7. They Expect You to Keep Growing
Standing still isn’t an option. Bosses expect you to keep growing—whether it’s learning new skills, tackling challenges, or staying updated with industry trends.
Growth shows that you’re committed to improvement, which benefits both you and the team.
8. Bosses Respect When You Take Ownership of Mistakes
Mistakes happen to everyone, but what matters is how you handle them.
Taking responsibility instead of making excuses or blaming others can earn you some respect directly from your boss.
Owning up, learning from the experience, and moving forward with solutions demonstrates maturity.
9. They Value Adaptability
The workplace is always evolving. New tools, trends, and challenges come up all the time.
As the CEO of Bizcope, I always look for team members who are open to change, who adapt quickly, and who aren’t too attached to “the way things have always been.”
Flexibility shows you can handle whatever’s next.
10. They Notice When You’re Resourceful
Every boss appreciates it when you find creative solutions with the resources available.
It’s easy to ask for help, but going the extra mile to solve a problem on your own or discovering new ways to get things done shows independence and strong problem-solving skills.
In Closing
Bosses are always paying attention to more than just your output. I also keep watching how my team approach challenges, interact with others and pursue growth.
Meeting these unspoken expectations not only makes you a better team member, but it also helps you stand out and advance in your career.
