How Do I Get My Boss Off My Back Without Saying the Wrong Thing?

Get your boss off your back by managing up

"Managing up" is a term that describes an employee's ability to foster an effective working relationship with his or her supervisor and other higher-ups in the workplace. Establishing this kind of relationship involves certain behaviors and tactics that can ease the tension caused by a critical boss who may lean toward hounding workers. If used consistently, managing up can work to increase your boss's confidence in your abilities and reduce instances where she is on your back.

Instructions

1. Listen to feedback being offered with an objective ear rather than reacting out of emotion. Responding immediately because your ego is bruised can lead you to say the wrong thing. If you are having a hard time controlling yourself, ask that you have time to think over what has been said with the option of meeting again. This will give you time to calm down so you can assess the feedback with a clear head. If faced with verbal abuse, stay calm and don't take the bait.

2. Repeat what you are being asked to do by your boss, verbally or in writing. This gives your supervisor confidence that you understand the request and will take the necessary steps to follow through on it, and it helps relieve any need she may have to micromanage your work. This process also allows your boss to offer further clarity, if that's what is called for.

3. Set clear goals with your boss that you can meet and even exceed. For example, if you're asked to produce a report that you think will take five days to complete, agree to provide it to your boss in seven days. Then you can give her a nearly complete report in five days and ask for feedback before finalizing it. Checking in with your boss helps ensure that you are both on the same page, and meeting your goals on time builds your credibility, both of which should help reduce your boss's negative behaviors.

4. Imitate how your boss communicates. If your boss uses words like "synergy" and "touch base," use these words when discussing projects. If your boss provides better direction via email rather than face-to-face, meet her where she is most effective. This increases your ability to have a smooth, tension-free working relationship and gives your boss confidence in your abilities.

5. Introduce solutions rather than problems. Focusing on a weak point in an operation without offering an answer or a workaround may unfairly associate you with the problem and undermine your boss's ability to see you as a problem-solver.

6. Remember that your relationship with your boss is a professional one, so avoid taking criticism, feedback and other interactions personally. Look at the situation from a business or project standpoint, and tailor your response accordingly. A professional response to "What is taking so long to send me that report?" is not "I'm working as fast as I can; please give me space." A professional response is "I understand you need the report ASAP, and I'm working to get it to you by the end of the day." Be helpful and goal-oriented, not reactive.

References

• TechRepublic: 10 ways to work better with your boss
• Conflict 911: How To Deal With A Difficult Boss; Tristan Loo
• Monster: How to Talk Back to Your Boss