Supervisory Training Links • Purdue University Leading Edge • Purdue University Personnel Resources • Supervisory Basics Module 1: Recognizing Different Man. Styles Module 2: Managing Diff. Employee Types Module 3: Managing Your Boss • Leadership Module 1: Identifying Basic Leadership Functions Module 2: Recognizing Basic Leadership Qualities Module 3: Developing Leadership Skills • Problem Solving Module 1: Creative Thinking and Innovation Module 2: Decision Making Module 3: Idea Generation Techniques Module 4: Fostering an Innovative Work Environment

MANAGING YOUR BOSS

Objectives:

    Upon completion of this section, the trainee will be able to perform the following:

1.Identify good practices for managing a boss.

2.Identify practices to avoid when managing a boss.

3.Given a scenario, evaluate the manager's effectiveness in managing his or her boss.

     Management professors John Gabarro and John Kotter defined managing your boss as "...the process of consciously working with your superior to obtain the best possible results for you, your boss, and the company."  Managing your boss is of paramount importance because:

• Research indicates that your relationship with your boss has a bigger impact on your attitude toward your job than anything else
• Poor relations between you and your boss can have a negative effect on the performance of your employees

     It's important to understand that your actions can and do influence your boss's behaviors.  And your boss's behaviors influence your actions.  You and your boss are in a behavioral loop, each influencing the other.  The easiest way to change the pattern of interaction with your boss is to change your own behavior.  Kotter and Gabarro suggest that each of us should "...become aware of what it is about you that impedes or facilitates working with your boss and, with that awareness, take actions that make the relationship more effective."

     Self-knowledge is important for working with a boss; it provides an understanding of one's strengths and areas for development.  When we know our strengths we can use them to help our boss.  Knowing our areas for development help us avoid situations and behavior that will be detrimental to us and our boss. 

     Knowing your boss's needs, behavior, and personality is vital to your success.  The more you know about your boss, the better you will be able to empathize with your boss.  You need to understand your boss's goals, pressures, strengths, and areas for development.  This helps you and your boss to avoid unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, and difficulties.  Kotter and Gabarro recommend that you learn the answers to the following questions:

• What are your boss's organizational and personal objectives?
• What are the pressures on your boss?

     Pressures exerted by your boss's boss and his or her peers can be especially relevant.

• What are the activities or qualities in which your boss excels?
• What are your boss's blind spots?
• What is his or her preferred style of working?
• Does he or she like to get information through memos, face-to-face meetings, or telephone calls?
• Does your boss thrive on conflict or try to minimize it? 

     The answers to these questions will help you manage your relationship with your boss.  And this is important because you and your boss are mutually interdependent.

 

 

Last update: March 10, 2008