|
Many talented people are stuck in the
old paradigm of expecting their manager
to manage them. They take a passive,
reactive stance, waiting for direction
and support. They may complain about a
bad boss, but do little to turn things
around. They don't know the small but
essential steps they can take to
establish a productive dialogue.
In addition to performing well, you have
to make sure the boss knows about all
the things you're doing right, while
also building personal rapport so that
he or she will keep your best interests
in mind. The following tips will help
you negotiate your relationship with
your manager and make you an asset to
the organisation.
•
Market yourself to your manager
Your manager is likely to have a lot
more responsibility than just managing
you. Take subtle steps to ensure that
what you are working on is not
forgotten. This may require you to speak
up during meetings, copying them on
emails to clients (especially those
where the clients express satisfaction
with your work), inviting him or her to
meetings that you have with your peers
(even if he or she is likely to not
attend) etc.
•
Understand expectations
If your manager hasn't taken the time to
explain expectations to you in detail,
schedule a meeting to go over them.
Define your job description, and set
goals together. Instead of assuming this
will be enough to keep you on track, set
regularly scheduled meetings for
feedback.
•
Make your manager look good
Remember, your manager has a manager
too! While it is their job to offer you
guidance and leadership, they will be
much more inclined to do that job well
if you make them look good and help them
shine before superiors.
•
Remember... your manager is not your
friend!
It is possible that as time goes by you
get quite pally with your manager. But
don’t ever forget that when it comes
right down to it, they still have your
future and your fate in their hands.
Things said in jest may be perceived as
insulting which can cause unnecessary
issues later. While a certain amount of
camaraderie is always good, never let
your guard fully down.
•
Be loyal
Never publicly criticise your manager.
If others are doing it, don't join in.
Instead, walk away and say nothing, or
counter with a positive comment. If you
have an issue with your manager, bring
it up in private, and don't talk about
it with others.
•
Be indispensable
Think of ways you can make their job
easier. Not only will this help your
manager, it will also help you when your
manager realises you are an invaluable
asset to them - as well as to the
organisation.
•
Keep a positive attitude - no matter
what
There will be days when things don't go
well, your manager is in a bad mood, and
nothing you do seems to be right. Unless
this is a consistent trend, take a deep
breath and let it go. Then take an
action to improve the situation.
•
Understand your manager's style
Are they rule-oriented or more creative?
Do they prefer to closely monitor
employees, or do they appreciate it when
you take the initiative? Do they like to
work alone, or as part of a group? Are
they formal or informal? Demystifying
your supervisor's management style will
make it easier for you to adapt.
•
Let actions speak louder than words
You need to gain your manager’s respect
and confidence and in the workplace,
usually, the only way to do this is to
prove your worth. Let your work speak
for you. It does not matter if your
actual job is significant or critical
from the company’s perspective but if you
do it well, it will be noticed and will
open doors for you.
•
Don’t hog your manager’s time
While discussing issues, make sure you
can summarise the situation in a few
sentences. The more effective you are at
conveying all that needs to be said in
the least amount of time, the better you
will fare in your manager’s books.
•
Make sure your manager knows your
personal career goals
If you are hoping to earn a promotion,
make sure your manager knows that you
feel ready for the higher
responsibilities that come along with
the promotion. If you would like to
change the direction your career is
going, make sure your manager has an
idea. There may be opportunities visible
to your boss, but not to you. If your
manager
knows what it is that you want in the
long run, they may find a way to steer you
in that direction. Managers are not mind
readers, and if you want something, you
need to tell them explicitly. Annual
reviews are a good time to bring up
these matters.
Practically everything you achieve in
your career you will achieve through
working with others. Your future success
depends greatly on your ability to
effectively manage relationships with
your boss, your peers, your subordinates
and your customers. So, like all aspects
of life, improving your relationship
with your manager and treating him/her
with some respect and some subtle
manipulation can go a long way in
ensuring that your career fares well.
|
.jpg)
