MUSINGS
Learn to live with the faults of your boss
The room reverberated with multiple voices and opinions were flying back and forth among all those present. Little wonder since the topic of discussion was, ‘Managing the boss’. The discussion started out with one of the speakers making the prediction that in future workplaces the entity called the ‘boss’ will disappear as workplaces will become lateral in structure. He went on to add that hierarchy in an organisation is no longer sacrosanct. The hi
erarchical structure is a remnant of the colonial system and will cease to exist soon.
This speaker further made the observation that today’s workplaces do not need a boss to run the business of a regular day. As long as everyone does his part of the work, there would be no hitch. But when there is a problem or things are out of control then there is a need for a person who can handle the crisis effectively with his superior knowledge, grasp of things and ability to get things done. When there is a problem, the superior perspective of the boss always comes to the rescue.
Other views expressed in the discussion-the role of a boss is undergoing a transformation, he is no longer the person who gets down to the nitty-gritty of regular tasks his subordinates do but rather helps them prioritise their work and gives the required help when they ask for it. He helps in adding value to the work by giving inputs so that work can be done in a more efficient and enhanced way. In short, he has to enable employees to perform well.
The boss will continue to be an important channel of communication between his subordinates and those at the top. He is the via media or that vital link in the communication chain in organisations. Also, he has the power to control the information flow to these two important links in the chain. However, the boss has to view any information with objectivity and represent subordinates to the top management without any prejudice or partiality.
While these viewpoints urged the listeners to debate on them, everyone agreed when the speakers mentioned that the relationship between the boss and his subordinates is a two-way street, one cannot exist without the other. A positive relationship between them is essential for working efficiently.
While bosses continue to exist, it is a given that they are adept at managing their subordinates. Employees though will have to learn to manage the boss. It is no doubt a difficult task but with a little practical thinking, psychology and pizzazz they can certainly succeed in this task.
Yes, you must be thinking isn’t it presumptuous to think that one can actually manage one’s boss? Further, you may wonder if it is really worth the effort. Well, for one thing the boss does not know your career ambitions, aspirations or even that you intend asking for a raise the next quarter, obviously he can’t read your mind.
We have a choice to let our boss manage us, our careers and decide our promotions. The fact is you might not get far this way. The wise choice is to plan a strategy to work effectively with your boss and ‘manage’ him so that your career success is ensured. A few pointers:
First, learn to ignore the faults of your boss, which is a common tendency. Accept that he too is human and has his flaws. If he does something that angers or irritates you, learn to forgive or ignore. Next despite his faults and drawbacks, your boss may have certain positive features that you can learn to emulate. He may have the technical expertise or more experience in areas related to your work. Try to learn these from him and enhance your skills.
Remember that your boss has a boss too. Every person in the organisation is answerable to someone else and this includes even the CEO. Knowing the priorities of your boss will help you gauge how the work done by you fits into the picture and you can work efficiently and help your boss.
Analyse the communication style of your boss- does he prefer one-to ones or group meetings? Does he communicate directly or through e-mail? Does he respond better to ideas presented in a definite format or in casual conversations? How does he give feedback- openly or behind closed doors? Knowing his style of communication will help you put across your message effectively.
Knowing how your boss tracks your performance will help you during review time. No matter how he gathers information regarding your performance, you must be prepared to update him on your achievements on the job and have a report ready at all times.
For this you need to regularly track your progress and document it. This is better than bragging about your work at every opportunity. It puts you in a bad light.
The guidance or feedback you require from your boss should be communicated to him clearly. Tell him your requirements and use the information for your success. Some of these tips will help you manage your boss and before you know it, you could be the apple of his eye and consequently your career will reach greater heights.
HEMA GOPALAKRISHNAN
faqs@cnkonline.com
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