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Turns out, what the boss wants is not that important. Setting aside the boss’ emotional and ego needs, he or she is looking to solve a problem. Find out what that problem is. It is usually what the boss’ boss wants.

If you extend the logic, the boss’ boss’ boss (and so on depending on the layers of management) is really trying to understand the customer’s needs. That is the holy grail to be hunted down.

Meanwhile, your co-workers are still human, and a percentage of your energies will go into managing that inefficiency.

Be mindful of whether you are managing an inefficiency or solving the customer’s problem. You have to do both, on a good day, you’ll get to do more of the latter.