Managing your manager (1)
Whether your boss is a tiger or a real sweetheart, knowing how to manage them is a career saver. When you learn to understand how your boss operates, your life becomes easier. Here are some thoughts on how to do this.
Understand their working style: To work well with your manager, you need to be on the same page with them. Know how your boss handles pressure, or behaves when their head is on the block. This shows most when he or she is most unforgiving. If you know they don’t cope well in certain circumstances, offer to help. Even though not all may be willing to accept help; offer it anyway. When the boss is moody or touchy or grouchy, try not to aggravate them.
Don’t try to change him or her: It is tempting to try changing the way your boss works; such as tidying the desk of someone who prefers ‘organised’ chaos! Be familiar with their management style, personal preferences, habits and agendas so that you don’t get on their wrong side. Your number one priority is to support them by doing your job well, showing them respect and not undermining them.
Developing an effective working relationship is what matters. So, don’t get caught up in trying to fix the little things they do that bothers you but not them.
Don’t delegate up: When you do this, you’re saying you can’t do the task- instead ask for guidance. If you’re too busy to do it, ask for more time. Don’t simply toss it up to the boss. Your job is to deliver solutions.
