So I hope you notice that I didn’t say “manage your boss.”
Attempts at managing the boss could be career limiting. The right words to use are “managing your relationship with your boss.”
Now THAT will get us somewhere.
A couple of key points…
- The boss has power. Whether great boss or not so great boss, the truth is that the boss has power to not only direct your activities, but power over your paycheck, and even your employment. It is important to accept this reality, and not fight it.
- You’re stuck with this boss. Even if it is short term, for the moment you’re in, it behooves you to try to make the relationship work. Even if you think the boss isn’t doing that. What is the downside?
- Your boss isn’t perfect. No one is – not even us. Ha Ha. So your boss has eccentricities, funky habits, weaknesses, and quirks, just like the rest of us. To show disrespect for the imperfections will start you down a slippery slope that may not serve you well. Find the strengths and admire them. Help your boss in areas he or she is weak. That is respect.
- Your boss has hot buttons. We all do. For heaven’s sake, DON’T push them. ‘Nuff said.
- Bosses need teams that work. By joining the team, helping the boss get to his or her objectives, you’ll enjoy a synergistic relationship. With the boss and your peers. This is what makes work rewarding.
- Bosses need support. Are you for or against your boss’s success? If against, don’t fool yourself into thinking the boss can’t feel it. He or she can. Whether they want support or not, they need it, and managing your relationship with your boss will benefit from your sincerely supporting your boss and his or her goals. And NEVER complaining about him or her.
- Bosses respond to appreciation. After all, they are human too, yet few subordinates ever thank the boss or share a “well done.” Just remember, it needs to be specific and sincere — always.
You might have noticed that all of these are about you understanding your boss. Good. When someone has power over you (actual, not perceived), it will be useful to you to take the initiative to understand them so that you can do things that will help the relationship — even if they don’t.
That’s the truth.
