To most people, the term “managing your boss” could sound suspicious or unusual. Due to the mostly traditional top-down structure in corporate organizations, it is obvious to need to manage upward relationships, unless personal or political reasons intervene. Our reference is not for political maneuvering or apple polishing.
Our process refers to consciously working with your superior to obtain optimum results for you, your boss, and the company. Work-life is always stressful but often we deal with difficult bosses as well. We spend more quality time at the office than elsewhere, so it’s essential to forge a good working relationship with all bosses. Some easy ways to remain in your boss’ good books are set out:
Keep doing your best work
If your boss is very critical of you, handle the stress without affecting your work. It feels as if your boss expects you to mess up, raising your anxiety levels which affect work output. Continue to do your best work even after knowing your boss will find flaws. Keep your head down and your work ethics up; eventually your efforts will be recognised.
Be honest with them
Often in a high-stress and volatile environment, your boss does not consider your feelings. Perhaps they may not notice having upset you. Discuss your issues with your boss in a respectful manner later, calmly and logically without blaming anybody. Weave the discussions around improvement rather than blaming people. Possibly your boss will understand what you are hinting at and correct the issues involved. Maybe nothing may change but having expressed your feelings, you know you did the best you could.
Understand their human failings
This is difficult when you do not get along with your boss, but to empathize and understand them, helps you to get along with them. Bosses have good and bad days too. If a trifle harsh today, don’t let it ruin tomorrow. They also deal with similar problems of huge workloads and stressful company atmosphere. Your boss is also human and says hurtful things that they perhaps do not mean.
Talk to your co-workers
Don’t gossip about your boss as it is very unprofessional. Instead, seek advice from people working under the same boss to deal with emerging issues. If new to a company, this is helpful as you can avoid issues before interactions with your boss. Your co-workers will understand and help you when you need it.
Approach your boss before they approach you
Take the initiative to admit your mistakes and seek views about fixing it. Take responsibility for actions and willingness to change sub-standard work. Your boss may forgive you for taking initiatives to fix the situation before it worsens. They may not even notice the mistake you pointed out, but your thoroughness and efficient work is recognized. Also choose a private time and place and away from co-workers.
Take-Aways
We spend most of our waking hours at work, and if your relationship with your boss is difficult and not at all smooth, those hours become arduous and stressful. Churning out quality work in such circumstances is difficult. Others play games and engage in manipulation, but that sours up quickly, besides taking an ethical toll. Delivering the best at work is possible by successfully managing inter-personal relationships, especially relationships with bosses.
