How you manage your boss directly impacts on your working life; from promotion to simply achieving a more reasonable or fulfilling daily workload. Managing your boss isn’t just good for you, it’s also good for them and it may even be expected of you.
Your boss has difficult decisions to make, schedules to stick to and internal objectives of their own. Helping them manage their own workload goes a long way to supporting them.
Finding time
If you need to meet your boss regularly, it helps to book those meetings in advance rather than having to chase for time later on. Try not to involve your boss in unimportant or trivial issues. If you can, sort them out yourself as you’ll never gain real standing by appearing to dwell on unimportant issues.
Your boss has certain obligations and part of that involves giving opinions and making final decisions. When an issue needs to be considered, or if there is a part of your work which requires ‘expert input’ – don’t hesitate to seek their opinion.
As you will probably already be aware, it's rare for bosses to resist giving an opinion – and it does wonders for their self-esteem. Remember though, an opinion can easily become an order, so you may need to act on it. As a rule, therefore, don’t seek an opinion unless you really need one.
If you have a 'ghost' boss - one that you rarely see, and when you do they're off again before you can get a word in - then you need to decide if you're happy with the situation or if you want a bit more guidance. Some people are happy being left to their own devices, but some wish for more regular direction, discussion and feedback on their work.
On the other hand, being micro-managed is the reason many employees leave. Speak to your boss about how much interaction you would like with them and work out a schedule for catch-up meetings.
Addressing issues
When it comes to an issue you want to resolve with your boss, you need to choose the right moment. Present an issue at the wrong moment, and the chances are you won’t get a solution; you’ll get procrastination at best, and a negative result at worse.
Always prepare for your meeting because that way you’ll know exactly want you want to say – and with conviction. Address the issue by covering the background first. This way you’ll bring them up to speed by the time you need to get to the real crux of the matter. You'll be less likely to be diverted with retrospective questions and your boss will probably already be on your side.
Filtering information
Presenting bundles of information to your boss is boring and time consuming. You need to be selective and bring out what is essential. You need to present and engage your boss, so use visual aids and relevant data.
Don't keep delivering bad news – you may only be the messenger but little by little you become the bad news yourself. Offer good news as often as is possible and when the bad news is unavoidable, always present positive alternatives to highlight yourself as a proactive person.
Sometimes it is easy to take a back seat where information is concerned, perhaps assuming that any news has already ‘done the rounds’. However, you need to ensure that your boss doesn’t get information from others too often leaving yourself open to the inevitable question: ‘Why didn't you let me know…?’
Finding a balance between saying too much and providing just the right amount is what you are looking for to maintain your credibility and handle your boss’ information requirements. Your boss shouldn’t have to rely solely on formal information given in internal documents. Volunteer what you know or have heard from outside the formal work channels.
Avoid assumptions and promises
Do not assume your boss knows less than you, but in those areas where you do know more be prepared to share what you know. Inundating your boss with technicalities or using too much detail is unwise as it can only lead to a lack of trust.
Your aim is to create understanding and relieve potential misunderstandings and bad decisions. Promise only what you can deliver and if you feel too much is asked of you, sit down and re-discuss priorities before proceeding.
Managing your boss is not merely a question of ‘cosying up’or 'butt-kissing' for an easy life. It's a legitimate strategy that benefits you, your boss and your organisation. Actively pursue a healthy and productive working relationship based on mutual respect and understanding and you’ll find yourself in a win-win situation.