Insights 26: Managing the boss - challenge accepted

Edition 26:  08 November 2022

Thoughtful quotations:

“If you want to manage somebody, manage yourself. Do that well and you’ll be ready to lead” Happy-manager.com
“When we label a boss negatively, we lose our ability to constructively address the relationship” “Stay in a place of choice, because it is an empowered place” adapted from Mary Abbajay

Context for reflection:

Many leaders lament the challenge of managing the boss. It may take courage to win with the boss, but it is a life skill essential for success and fulfilment.
Like it or not, the boss is there and can influence our future. The sooner we understand what makes the boss tick, the easier our job becomes. If part of being effective is getting the resources, permission and guidance to do well, our manager often has the key to take us forward. A relationship of mutual respect is the key to achieving our results. If we focus on “the right thing” and have the “courage of our convictions” we will win in the long run.
So, how do we build this relationship? Firstly, seek to understand the boss’s:

• Pressures and issues

• Goals and direction

• Strengths and weaknesses

• Personal preferences

A few practical tips to manage the boss:

1. Invest energy to build a professional relationship. (Discuss your focus, team goals, understanding the broader business, share interests, and other thoughts)

2. Communicate to your manager’s preferences – Is your manager analytical or intuitive, a verbal listener or reader, brief or detailed, organised or spontaneous?

3. Guide conversations to using collective strengths (yours and the boss’s) with a focus on the goal.

4. Tackle “elephants in the room” – quietly clarify areas of discomfort, ask for support, and be accountable for agreed outcomes. Tackling tough issues is an opportunity to build respect. Plan your conversation for mutual benefit and you will succeed.

5. Be resourceful (seek other resources that can help the team) but make your manager aware of your load, tipping point and have the courage to say “No”, in a way your boss will understand.

6. Arrange something important that your manager likes but doesn’t get to.

7. Build a broader network in the organisation amongst those who may positively influence your manager and your future. When your manager sees that others are interested in and respect you, he / she may also see the light.

• Do you proactively communicate to build a professional relationship with the boss?

• Do you understand your boss and your impact well?

• What does your boss need from you for her / him to succeed?

• Where / how do you need to stand up for the “right thing” for the interests of the team?

Drafted in all humility as I continue my journey of discovery. It is indeed challenging, with so much to remember and learn.

Attend the Insights Leadership programme and explore these important aspects of leadership.

Andrew Pons

References:
Abbajay Mary, Managing Up: How to Move up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss
www.the-happy -manager.com

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