In CBS’ “Undercover Boss” CEO’s of different companies take a week off from the ivory tower and join the rank and file while undercover to try to find out what really happens in their companies. Episodes last season included CEO’s and founders of companies like Hooters, Waste Management, 7-11 and White Castle working the grill, collecting trash and packing boxes at manufacturing plants.
In each episode the undercover bosses find the good, bad and the ugly in their own companies. What makes this show a hit is that viewers will watch and wonder what would happen if their big boss worked side by side by them and didn’t know it. What would you say? How would you represent your company?
How could a situation like this possibly help your career? It may give you an opportunity to think about your own job in a way you never thought about it before. Pretend the CEO from your home office is sitting next to you and asking you the following questions. Isn’t it easier to talk honestly to an “outsider” about your true feelings to certain questions within your own company? Your answers may tell you a lot about your job, company and career path you selected. (These are questions from the undercover boss.)
1.Does this company take good care of you?
2.Why do you work here?
3.Can you make a name for yourself at this company?
4.What makes you proud to work here?
5.Does your job challenge you?
6.How is the teamwork to get your work goals accomplished?
7.What is one thing you would change to make your job better?
8.Can this job support your family?
9.Do you feel like you can advance in this company?
10.Do you have all the tools to effectively do your job and reach your goals?
How did you do? Would you answer these questions any differently if you knew you were talking directly to the CEO or founder?
No matter what, the way you answered these questions tells you a lot about where you are in your career and where you are going. The one thing that this will not tell you is what your own company’s “undercover boss” would do if he or she knows your answers.
In the real “Undercover Boss”, major problems are found at every company. In almost all cases, those undercover can’t believe the issues of the everyday worker. Thankfully, they go back to the ivory tower and start working on making their companies even better.