Your boss is probably your most important stakeholder, but if you’re like most people you spend the least amount of time managing him/her. The idea of “managing” your boss makes some people nervous, but by doing a few simple things, you can greatly impact the quality of this important relationship without being a complete brown noser.
Monday’s Tip: Figure out what your boss cares about. As a Manager, there are more things to work on than you’ve got time to do. Make sure you do things your boss actually cares about. There’s nothing quite so useless as doing something well, that nobody cares about.
Tuesday’s Tip: Ask to see you boss’s goals. You need to link your goals to your boss’s goals. In order to do so, you need to know what his/her goals are. If you’ve got a personal goal that is not aligned with your boss’s goals, then you need to reassess whether that goal is worth pursuing.
Wednesday’s Tip: Create expectations for your boss. Tell you boss what you need him/her to do for you to be successful in your job. You may not get everything you ask for, but at least s/he’ll know what you need.
Thursday’s Tip: Never surprise the boss. Unless you’re 7 years old and it’s Christmas morning, nobody likes surprises. Your boss is not different. You need to provide a heads-up if things are starting to derail, rather than waiting until you’ve got a bona fide disaster on your hands.
Friday’s Tip: Understand the style differences between you and your boss. Bad News: If you end up in a bun-fight with your boss, you’ll probably lose. Figure out what style s/he uses, and adjust your own behaviour accordingly. Complement his/her style where you can.