HOW TO MANAGE YOUR BOSS

Obviously, those of us who have bosses, don’t actually “manage” them; in reality, we “manage” our relationship with our boss. More accurately, we manage ourselves as we interact with our boss and the teams they supervise. Those who are bosses understand there are some very practical things one can do to build a healthy relationships with their supervisors and make themselves into people of value. Even more, there are things we can do to diminish our value in the eyes of our bosses and make ourselves "low hanging fruit" with limited opportunities for growth and promotion.

1. UNDERSTAND YOUR BOSS’S PERSPECTIVE. It’s important to understand the pressures, challenges and demands on your boss before you make judgments or criticisms. Sometimes bosses have bad days and are stress. Try to step out of your own bubble and put yourself in the boss’s shoes. Doing this will build your empathy and enable you to be more supportive.
 
2. DISCOVER WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOUR BOSS. What are his performance goals? What does he value? The more you align yourself with the boss’s values and support him in achieving his objectives, the more empowered your relationship will be.
 
3. ACKNOWLEDGE WHEN YOUR BOSS HELPS YOU. Voice your appreciation when he advises you. Thank him when he takes care of an issue for you or personally assists you in some way. We all love appreciation; so, a text, email or quick “thank you” in the hallway will boost his confidence and make you valuable to him. Even better, mention to other coworkers or in a staff meeting how grateful you are for his support.
 
4. EXPRESS CONCERNS IN A POSITIVE WAY. Learn how to present problems or voice your complaints in a positive, solution-oriented way. Turn your criticisms into suggestions and offer to help in implementing any changes you’re suggesting. Remember that bosses despise complainers but love problem solvers. Don't go to your manager with a list of complaints. Convert your complaints into practical suggestions or solutions whenever you can.
 
5. SPEAK UP IF YOUR BOSS IS MISTAKEN ABOUT YOUR PERFORMANCE. Do not allow him to remain confused or misinformed about your role, your results or any other aspect of your work. Clearing up miscommunication with your boss is extremely important and will build mutual respect in the relationship.
 
6. WHEN YOUR BOSS IS CRITICAL, DON’T MAKE IT PERSONAL. We tend to internalize things and judge our worth based upon how we perceive others think of us. Your boss is not there to coddle you or give you a reward just because you showed up. He’s there to manage you, to correct you, to tell you what to do and how to improve. There will be difficult conversations, get over it, check your attitude get to work.
 
7. CHECK YOUR ATTITUDE. Don't start a conversation with your boss when you're mad, disappointed or upset. Wait until you calm down. If you need to cry, do it in private. If you’re angry, get it out of your system alone. Never vent emotion on your boss—it only makes you look weak and unstable. Always remain professional, calm and in control.
 
8. AVOID COMPARING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BOSS TO HIS RELATIONSHIPS WITH COWORKERS. It’s a trap of condemnation and self-criticism we fall into. Don’t count the number of times your boss said "yes" to one of your requests versus the times he said "No" to you. Don’t tally how often he takes their advice over yours. It is easy to compare yourself to other employees or start to think "My boss doesn't like me." That's a waste of your energy that makes you resent your boss and turns toxic. Focus on your work, your team's work and how to improve.
 
9. NEVER BE PETTY. Don't ask your boss to solve arguments with co-workers unless you and your co-worker agree there is no alternative. Don't ask your boss to solve problems you should be solving on your own.
 
10. BE AN OPTIMISTIC TEAM PLAYER. Be helpful to other team members. Volunteer to offer support and assistance when possible. Bosses are relieved when they know the team is united and mutually supportive. If you bring a positive, can-do attitude that boosts optimism on the team, your boss will regard you as a high-value member of his organization.
 
11. ASK FOR FEEDBACK. Seek advice from your boss if you’re challenged by a situation or difficult decision. It shows the boss you respect him and value his experience and knowledge.
 
12. KEEP YOUR BOSS IN THE LOOP ON IMPORTANT NEWS. If you meet with important people or discover important developments have occurred that would be valuable information to your boss, pass it on. Don’t assume they know it, bring it to their attention. However, be careful not to bring petty nonsense to him, just to sound important.
 
13. DON’T BE A TATTLER. Avoid being a talebearer of other employee’s poor performance. There may be times when you should inform your boss when issues arise to damage the team but bringing petty criticisms about a coworker only makes you look like a petty complainer to be avoided.  
 
14. BE A PERSON HE CAN TRUST. Some complain that their boss doesn’t give them opportunities or doesn’t allow them to have more responsibilities. But maybe the problem isn’t the boss, maybe it’s you. If you complain about work conditions, spread gossip about coworkers or criticize the boss, you have undermined your own credibility and diminished your value. If you want to be given more responsibility, then you must demonstrate to your boss that you are trustworthy. Don't be a complainer, don’t gossip about your manager to other employees, or allow them to do it to you, it always gets back to him. Do what he asks you and don’t complain about it. Don’t do it halfway or treat it like it is not important. Make what is important to your boss, important to you and build trust in the relationship.
 
15. ONLY ASK FOR A RAISE IF YOU DESERVE IT. Too many people ask for a raise when they are only preforming at the level they’re already being paid for. If you want a raise, produce at a higher level than you are currently being paid. Do more than what is expected. Work harder than is acceptable. Perform at the level to which you want to be promoted and see how opportunity is attracted to you.