During my time managing teams for 15 years, I have worked across many leadership teams with many years as Chief of Staff through a lot of leadership transitions. I have invested the years to save you from the mistakes I made.
But do you want to know a secret? Your boss does not want to manage you. They don't want to correct, fix problems caused, or be surprised. They want to trust you, believe you are capable, worth having your back and investing in you and rewarding you. Sometimes this is clear and others come out in weak efforts.
The relationship between a boss and an employee can have a significant impact on career success and work satisfaction.
Creating a Strong, Valuable Partnership
I actually use the same strategies every time. Here are some tips for managing up and around more effectively:
First and foremost, focus on offering solutions instead of dwelling on problems. When presenting a challenge, approach it with a proposed solution in mind. This displays your proactive, solution-oriented mindset to your boss. Emily encountered a challenging situation at work. Instead of simply airing her grievances, she developed a plan of action and presented it to her boss, impressing them with her problem-solving abilities.
Hear with intention. Encourage open dialogue with your boss, allowing them to express their perspectives, visions, and targets. Listen attentively and ask thought-provoking questions to show your engagement. For instance, Sarah was given a project by her boss but was unsure of the specifics. She scheduled a meeting with her boss to clarify the details and took notes throughout to ensure she comprehended their objectives.
Another key tip is to make requests, not complaints. Instead of expressing frustration or exhaustion, frame your needs as requests and present them in a positive manner. This not only conveys your needs effectively but also helps to maintain a more positive working dynamic.
In order to build trust and avoid micromanagement, it's important to keep your boss in the loop on projects you're working on. Keep your boss updated on your progress and what support you require from them. Be sincere and transparent regarding any obstacles or hindrances you encounter, and present possible solutions to overcome them.
Be an asset and look for ways to boost the sales, value, and cost savings of your team's efforts. When your boss feels confident in your abilities, they'll be more likely to trust you and give you the freedom to take on new, exciting projects. Additionally, when your boss sees you as a valuable asset, they will go to bat for you and defend your contributions.
Seek feedback routinely. Regularly request feedback from your boss, embracing constructive criticism with an open mind. Ask how you can improve and contribute more to your work. For instance, Jack approached his boss for an evaluation of his strengths and weaknesses and this allowed him to better align his work with his boss's expectations.
Take initiative to support leaders or boards' larger goals. Offer to assist with additional responsibilities and propose new ideas to improve the company's processes. Show your boss your dependability and pride in your work. Whether your boss is looking for volunteers to help meet a big goal, or you see opportunities to assist in another area that intersects with your own, seize the chance to lend a hand. So don't be afraid to look for ways to help, volunteer, and recruit others to join you in making a positive impact.
Ultimately, it's your responsibility to manage the relationship with your boss and make the effort to build a strong, high-trust valued partnership. With the right approach, you'll have more control over your professional growth and opportunities. So take the reins, and show your boss just how capable and dedicated you are!