How to Manage Your Manager

Getting along with your boss can be achievable even if he is difficult. Here are some manageable strategies for managing your manager.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A good attitude and perseverance

1. Tune Into His Clock - Everyone has a propensity for feeling their best at certain times of day. Discover when is the best time to approach your boss based on his biorhythms. If he is super busy and active first thing in the morning, don’t stop his flow and interrupt with your problems and issues. Find a late afternoon slot when he is relaxed and less pressurized.
2. Keep It Simple - Most supervisors do not want to be inundated with mundane details. Tell her what you need to and when she needs to hear it. Leave chatter and social stuff for breaks or after the workday is over.
3. Go to Lunch - If you have a chance to invite him out for a drink or a coffee, take advantage of it. If he offers to pay, that is fine, but you should pay half of the time. Get to know him, what he does on the weekends, his dog’s name and ask about his family from time to time.
4. Be Loyal - That means you don’t talk about your boss behind his back to other employees. It will come back to haunt you, guaranteed. Give him your respect whether he has earned it or not and he will likely return the favor.
5. Keep Her In the Loop - Nothing is more aggravating than finding out about something going on in your department from someone outside your circle. Be the one to keep her up to date on everything. Before you know it, you will be her right hand man or woman.
6. Don't burn your bridges. Never Burn Bridges - Even if you leave the company, stay in touch with your old boss. You never know when you might need a reference or business favor. If you have managed your boss well, you may even become friends someday.