How do you tell your boss they aren’t adding value?

My boss is very pedigreed. He has a good education, and god experience. He tells his story well. However, he’s a bit “out of touch” on certain things and he’s taking some handholding as we begin to work more closely together.

This will come off the wrong way — but he’s very “meeting happy”, and it’s slowing me down because every 5 minute conversation becomes an hour long meeting. How do I tell him that this doesn’t add value to efficiency or efficacy?

 
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lol... welcome to the real world. So, if you are talking about how to "break away" from a conversation, just find polite ways to need to do "urgent" work items, even if you are literally feigning urgency. You could also say need to go to the bathroom, get some coffee, call your mom... whatever.. just be smart and not overthink it.

That said... part of the role of the "junior" is to handhold and help bosses at personal cost to their own productivity. I've been there... its a big reason why analysts/associates work long hours. I'm sure my analyst feels like I waste their time with stupid requests and conversations that disrupt actually productive work. Could I get that data "on my own"... I mean of course... but why employ an analyst and not just ask them to do it! Part of the circle of life lol. 

Either way.... your boss knows this isn't helping your "efficiency or efficacy"... they aren't stupid..... just part of the game! 

 

At the end of the day, your pedigreed boss has significantly more influence on your career and success than the “value” you bring to the firm. IMO, you should be stoked that he takes the time to meet with you and chat, whether it be about work or personal life. I think as long as you’re doing a solid job with your actual work and enjoy what you’re doing, you’re in a great place right now. Don’t worry more than your boss does about the firms value creation and success, especially if you have 0 equity in the company; focus on building these relationships and growing.

 

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