Managing Your Manager
MANAGING YOUR MANAGER
Hoping everyone had a nice 3 day weekend.
I spent the weekend with a few younger members of the work force who shared some of the challenges that they are having, dealing with managing their managers. Managing your manager effectively is a valuable skill that can contribute to a productive and mutually harmonious work environment. I’ve always believed that it is 60% the responsibility of the EMPLOYEE to make sure the “rules of engagement” are adhered to, and to make sure that the manager lives up to whatever is agreed to. For what it’s worth, the manager has their own pile of stuff to deal with, and as you know, “stuff” flows downhill. Your manager, in turn, has to figure out what the nature of their relationship might look like with their own manager.
Here are some best practices for managing your manager:
Build a positive relationship: Cultivate a positive and respectful working relationship with your manager. Take the time to understand their working style, preferences, and priorities. Establish open lines of communication and be receptive to their feedback and guidance. If you go into the relationship believing that your manager has your best interests at heart, and that they really want and need you to succeed, then being positive about feedback and criticism should be viewed constructively.
Understand expectations: Clarify your manager's expectations regarding your role, responsibilities, and performance. Seek clarity on goals, deadlines, and deliverables. Regularly check in with your manager to ensure alignment and address any concerns or questions. I’d strongly suggest setting up a scheduled 1:1 (you determine the regularity) WITH AN AGENDA THAT YOU SET. Your manager is free to add discussion topics but the 1:1 is for your benefit, time for you to cover objectives, challenges, obstacles, etc. to you doing your job effectively.
Communicate effectively: Keep your manager informed about your progress, challenges, and achievements. Provide regular updates, whether through email, meetings, or other agreed-upon channels. Be concise, clear, and professional in your communication, focusing on relevant information.
Anticipate needs: Pay attention to your manager's needs and anticipate what they may require to perform their role effectively. This could include providing timely and accurate information, preparing reports or presentations, or offering solutions to potential problems. If you have staff meetings, be on time, be engaged and offer suggestions. Your manager will appreciate the constructive input and your preparation.
Be proactive: Take initiative in your work and demonstrate a proactive attitude. Look for opportunities to contribute beyond your assigned tasks. Offer suggestions, ideas, or improvements that can benefit your team or the organization. Taking ownership of your work and showing initiative can earn your manager's trust and confidence.
Seek feedback: Actively seek feedback from your manager on your performance. Regularly ask for input, suggestions, or areas for improvement. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity to grow and develop professionally.
Manage conflicts professionally: If conflicts or disagreements arise with your manager, approach them in a professional and respectful manner. Express your concerns calmly, using "I" statements to avoid sounding confrontational. Seek common ground and work towards a resolution that benefits both parties.
Be solution-oriented: When presenting problems or challenges to your manager, come prepared with potential solutions or suggestions. This shows your proactive mindset and problem-solving abilities. Instead of just pointing out issues, offer ideas on how to address them.
Adapt to their communication style: Managers have different communication preferences. Some may prefer face-to-face meetings, while others prefer emails, instant messaging or Slack. Adapt your communication style to match theirs, but also ensure that important matters are appropriately documented. If your manager works all hours of the night though, make sure he/she knows that you don’t and to expect a response first thing in the morning. Setting ground rules and expectations is important.
Show appreciation and support: Acknowledge your manager's efforts and successes. Offer support when they face challenges or heavy workloads. Recognize their achievements and show gratitude for their guidance and mentorship. Building a positive and supportive relationship is crucial for effective management.
Remember, every manager is unique so it's essential to understand their individual preferences and adapt your approach accordingly. By employing these best practices, you can foster a productive and collaborative working relationship with your manager.
