By Ron Thomas, The Business of HR Blog Article
“1. What do you think about managing up to your boss?
… Managing up is working with your boss to obtain the best possible results for you, your boss, and your organization. This has nothing to do with kissing up. Rather, it is a deliberate effort to build a relationship between two different individuals where one is in charge of the other.
2. How do you manage your boss?
First and foremost, you must be the best employee you can be. … In order to manage your boss, your first order of business is to figure out their style. …. Ask your new manager how you would like to interact. Ask them about what type communication they prefer: voice mail or face-to-face, detail or overview? What is their preferred method for sharing information? Concentrate on making their job easier. Get to know their style. Until you figure out their style, you are going nowhere.
3. How do your best subordinates manage you?
Now the table is turned — how have your subordinates managed you? Think of your best subordinate over the years (if you have managed people). My best were the ones that, whenever there was a problem, always mentioned it but also would say that they have given it thought and offered up a solution. …
4. “It is not your actual performance that counts, but your manager’s perception of your performance.”
I have always loved the phrase “perception is reality.” What we perceive is usually what we believe, and it is based on what we see, hear, and think. So based on that thinking, it is important that your manager hear the right things about you. This had to do with departmental feedback, peer feedback, etc. If they see us struggling with deadlines, interactions, and contribution, that is how we are going to be perceived.”
