Picture by Alexandre Faria
14 valuable tips on “managing up.”
If you’re like many professionals, the concept of managing the boss might seem strange. It’s really about maximum communication and earning a deserved reputation as a strong performer.
To enhance your career development, you need to learn how to connect with your boss.
Actually, successful management of the boss is beneficial in multiple ways. In a direct sense, you’ll get in a position to perform better. Indirectly, it will foster better teamwork and it will become more plausible for the company to maximize its performance.
Oh, and you’ll improve your working conditions, job satisfaction, and responsibilities. So become a bigger asset to your boss, and you’ll be very happy.
Here’s a boss-management checklist:
1. Learn the goals of your boss. Discover how your supervisor’s objectives mesh with the company’s mission. To get more insights and to facilitate good communication, find out what your boss reads.
2. Assuming your boss has a boss, get acquainted with that person’s concerns, as well. In this way, you’ll better understand your immediate supervisor, what makes that person tick, what the person’s pressures are, and what the solutions are.
3. Communicate with your boss about daily issues confronting the company, as well as the good news.
4. Timing is important. Know when to approach the boss. When you enter your manager’s office, remain standing until you’re invited to sit down. Discern what actually is warrants your supervisor’s energy and time. Solve the simple issues.
5. Strive to become the go-to person for your manager. Look for opportunities to give your boss a hand without seeming to be patronizing.
6. Save your boss time. Be aware of the policies, but don’t expect your boss to hand you specific guidance unless it’s necessary. In other words, don’t bog your boss down into minutiae.
7. Be assertive with your ideas. But make them meaningful. Before making suggestions, ask yourself these questions: “Is this productive for the company?” and “Does this work well with the goals of my boss?”
8. Understand your manager’s expectations and priorities. If you don’t know, ask.
9. From time to time, you’ll have to bring problems to your boss. Be prepared with possible solutions, too.
10. Be a good project manager and keep all commitments on deadlines. Keep your boss informed. Bosses don’t appreciate negative surprises.
11. Continually work to build trust. If you’re convinced your manager won’t object, independently solve problems and inform your boss later about your successes.
12. Be a good listener. Take notes.
13. The day before an important meeting, rehearse how you’ll present the information. Reflect on the questions you might want to ask. Effective participation is key.
14. Be a good communicator with your peers. Use a collaborative approach on problems.
Conclusion
In essence, learn the definition of a good employee. Know your job and responsibilities. Perform with independence without having to be overly managed, but understand your limits of authority. Know what the boss expects, and understand what your boss needs. But when you’re unsure, ask.
Work well with your team members. Communicate well and look for solutions to problems.
Good luck. I look forward to seeing you some day in the C-suite.
From the Coach’s Corner, here are related articles:
How to Ask Your Boss for a Pay Raise — 8 Tips — How to ask for a raise and get it.
6 Tips for Baby Boomers to Cope with a Younger Boss — How to adapt and build a great work relationship.
Career Advice: How to Communicate with Your Boss’s Boss — Be concise and ensure your direct manager is aware of the interaction.
Nervous About Your New Boss? Here’s How to Deal with It — Instead of fear, shift your focus to curiosity. Here’s how.
HGot an Abusive Boss? Here’s How To Deal With Harassment — These proven strategies will help you.
“The only time some people work like a horse is when the boss rides them.”
-Gabriel Heatter
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