Say what? Manage my boss? They’re the ones who should be developing skills to manage direct reports better. That’s what they’re paid for! Besides, who wants to be a “suck up?”
That may be your initial reaction, . . . but one of the most valuable skills you can have is being able to manage or support those you report to. So, how do you best do that? Here are a few suggestions:
Build strong line of communications:
Doing a good job at work means being able to first understand what’s expected of you, getting help in solving tough problems along the way, and letting your boss know what it is you’ve done. Be objective about your work and communicate what’s need in a professional direct and friendly manner.
Clarify the Methods of Communication:
For simplicity and best results, determine the most valuable methods for making contact with your boss. Is e-mail best? Voice-Mail? Texting? A quick chat at the start of day? Or is your boss non-responsive before that first coffee? Optimize your own and your boss’ success by taking on the task of learning what works most effectively.
Start by . . . Knowing your boss’ DiSC® Management Style:
The Everything DiSC® Management Profile from Inscape Publishing will help you to understand your boss’ Priorities and Preferences.
The “Dominant” Management Style tends to prioritize Drive, Challenge and Action – they care about change and bottom line results – NOW!
The “Influence” Management Style tends to prioritize Encouragement, Collaboration and Action – they care about influencing people.
The “Steadiness” Management tends to prioritize Collaboration, Reliability and Support – they care about supporting people.
The “Conscientiousness” Management Style tends to prioritize Objectivity, Reliability and Challenge – they care about logic, accuracy and a businesslike culture.
Knowing your boss’ DiSC® Management Style will help you understand their priorities and preferences, and how he or she approaches problems and how you can best approach him or her.
The Golden Rule . . . or The Platinum Rule?
The Golden Rule tells us we should treat others the way we want to be treated.
The Platinum Rule tells us to treat others the way they “want / need” to be treated.
In managing up, it is platinum that rules.
Identify their major challenges:
Valued employees will determine what the boss is up against, and try to help. View success as a “we” thing and not a “me” thing. Carve out new relationship strategies that can increase your overall value.
It’s just good business!
