“What? Manage my boss? But they’re supposed to manage me!”
It may seem counter-intuitive but managing up is a necessary skill-set in the workplace. Most people are unaware about the need to manage their relationships with their superiors, though proactively doing so would help make your life in the office a much smoother one.
Here are a few ways to get started:
- Find out your boss’s priorities and align them with your own
Even if you don’t fully agree with their goals and objectives, it’s good to be aware of them and act in a way which shows that the both of you are on the same page. Clarify specifics with your boss — find out exactly what and how they want projects and assignments to be completed.
- Understand their strengths and weaknesses and work around them
You can’t change them, so work with them! Your bosses are human too; accept and adapt to their quirks and mistakes, but don’t be afraid to let them know if they’ve slipped up. Reasonable bosses will be grateful — especially if you manage to point out issues before projects reach the hands of your clients.
- Keep them updated — and be truthful!
Even if you make mistakes or hit a wall in your work, you need to keep to your deadlines instead of sitting on them so that your bosses can find the means to help you along. Remember that your superiors — even those at the very top of management — are accountable to other people too, such as stakeholders, clients and partners.
- Give constructive comments
Stop being the type of employee who seems to be whining about their job all the time. Even if something doesn’t go according to your plans, find a way to re-frame your words more positively with possible solutions and examples. Being seen as a problem-solver rather than a complainer will definitely build trust between you and your boss.
After following these basic tips, learn more about how you can improve your chances for that promotion with Executive Coach International’s Coaching for Professionals!