Manage Your Boss

Cultivate a successful working relationship.

“People don’t leave companies, they leave their managers.”

You have probably heard this before. Is it true? I certainly left a job because my manager was a jerk. How about you?

Being a boss is not easy. Working for toxic leaders is not easy, either. One thing is clear, though, for whatever side you are, it is not simple. Boss or employee.

A lot has been written about how to manage teams or employees. But how do you manage your boss?

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Rule no. 1: You can’t change your boss

You hear people complaining about their bosses all the time. “if only he was, …” While it may be tempting to wish for changes in your boss's behavior, the reality is that changing your boss is a near-impossible feat.

You can’t bend a spoon and you can’t change your boss.

Source: Quora

Everyone brings their unique personalities, experiences, and management philosophies to their roles, making it challenging to alter fundamental aspects of their behavior.

Attempting to change your boss can strain professional relationships and create a counterproductive work environment. So, stop staring at them. Shallow it even if it tastes bitter.

The only thing to do is to shift towards understanding and adapting to your boss’s style.

Get to know your boss

Labeling someone as a “bad boss” is as easy as talking about a “bad employee”. Throw these stickers into the trash bin and watch out.

Play an observant and listener.

Recognizing their strengths, weaknesses, and communication preferences allows you to navigate the professional landscape more effectively:

• What is your boss like?

• How would you describe them?

• Why do you like or dislike working with them?

Be proactive and adaptive.

Go outside of the office walls. If you know what your boss is like out there, you get a better picture of what kind of person they are. Let them tell their story. After all, everyone loves talking about themselves.

Remember the more you know, the less useless will you feel. Information brings respect, understanding, and empathy. Turn complaining into exploring.

👉 Listen well.

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Compensate them

“Not criticizing them but compensating them.” - Steven Covey

You are not better than your boss. They are not better than you. You are in one team and working towards the same goals. It’s time to collect the fruits of collaboration.

Aim to find an adaptive mindset. Get rid of complaining. Things are not happening to you. You can choose how you react and what you do.

Be this one coworker who takes an opportunity:

By embracing a proactive mindset, you build a collaborative relationship that leverages both your strengths and those of your boss, fostering a more harmonious and productive work environment.

What more do you want?

TL;DR

Managing your boss means, you’re managing your work:

• Rule no. 1: You can't change your boss; understanding and adapting to their style is key.

• Get to know your boss by being observant, and recognizing strengths and weaknesses.

• Be proactive and adaptive; learn about your boss outside of the office for a better understanding.

• Compensate rather than criticize your boss; aim for an adaptive mindset and build a collaborative relationship.

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