Manage your boss for a rewarding career
It is said that at work we need to not just manage our jobs, but
also manage the boss as well. One of the best ways to progress and do well at your
career is to be able to work well with the boss and keep in his good
books. Managing your boss is a great investment because more often
than not your boss determines your promotions, bonuses and career
opportunities.
In one of our earlier articles, we discussed ways to manage
your new boss. We will now see how you manage your boss – old or new.
Building a rapport and beneficial relationship with the boss is a
slow process, depending on the personality of your boss, but it is neither
impossible nor difficult. All you need to do to manage your boss is use the following methods
and you will surely be able to build a closer and win-win relationship with him
or her.
Build a foundation to manage your boss
Foundations are built on solid ground with quality structure. In
the work area parlance this would translate into being a team player, go-getter, target oriented person who
can be counted upon by the boss. To be able to manage your boss,
you have to establish yourself as someone boss can count on. If you can’t
do this, you just cannot manage your
boss. Everything boils down to basis – meet
your commitments and deadlines, be punctual, don’t take unnecessary breaks or
otherwise. And yes, do not take on additional assignments or responsibility
that you cannot fulfill.
Do
your due diligence to manage your boss
Managing your boss is like selling to your customers. You need to
know what the requirements are. Similarly, you need to take time to learn all
you can about your boss. Understanding what is important to the boss is a sure
shot way to establish rapport. Look for ways
to naturally or easily engage your boss in non-work conversation. What are
their hobbies? Do they have a family? Seek out topics that you both
have in common and on which you can provide valuable insight. You can’t deliver
if you don’t know what to deliver! Simple.
You boss is your customer! If you understand that you can surely manage
your boss.
Manage your boss by making him look good
You need to know your boss’ goals and motivations. How does your
job and your skill set help him or her accomplish those goals? You’ll be much
more effective at achieving your boss’ expectations of you when you clearly
understand their objectives. Keep your self updated on all the trends and
skills that will help your boss become successful.
Always bring solutions to the table, even when
you’re alerting your boss to a problem or issue. Look for new and better ways
to get things done, but don’t do it in a vacuum. Slowly involve your boss in your
brainstorming process, helping to build trust between you.
Figure out ways in which you can be relevant. Identify the
opportunities. For instance, if your boss needs extra help on an assignment and
you pitch in, that will make a good impression.
Get constant feedback to manage your boss
Ask your boss what you can do to produce better
work and what you need to change. That way, your boss knows you are willing to
go the extra mile.
Fulfill your boss’ communication and information needs to manage your boss
Don’t wait to find out that your boss hates email and never reads
them. Ask your boss about their communication
preferences and follow it to a tee. Does your boss need to
be informed of all small matter and does he want to know only the big
picture. Does he want you to report to him once a week about the work done or
would he require an hourly update. Be sure
you know what his needs are and fulfill them. Not
only will this improve your relationship, but it will make it significantly
easier for you to manage your boss and get things done.
Stay within limits to manage your boss
Be punctual,
focused and deadline-oriented. Work hard and always give it your best shot. At
the same time, don’t promise more than you can deliver. Otherwise
you risk damaging your reputation at work. Also never try to outshine your
boss. This is the quickest route to disaster at work. However much you may
dislike this, always remain in your boss’s shadow.
I
came across this article while going through few blogs past weekend. I thought
of sharing the article with you so that even you can manage your
supervisors well. I have learned few new things and started following
them too :-). It works.
