How to Manage "the Boss"

Everyone who works in an organization has a boss. Those of us who think that our head of department or chief executive is very lucky since he is at the top, are sadly mistaken, since he inevitably has even more answerability to his board of directors, controlling authority or to government.

Working in an office carries a great deal of tension to most people, and the root cause of the tension more often than not, is other people. It is not possible for even two people to work together day in and day out, and not have differences or conflict from time to time. In fact, differences of opinion are generally considered a good sign, since they lead to more endeavor. There is an old adage which says that in any organization if there are two managers who agree to everything, then one of them is redundant! This is obviously true, since the job of most white collar executives is decision making, and if two of them are thinking the same way and taking the same decisions, then obviously the organization can very well run with only one of them around.

Among all the interpersonal tensions and conflicts, the one which is reported as the most stressful is the interaction with the boss. At every level, employees generally find the most difficult part of their work being how to please the boss.

There is a light hearted but very true “Secretary’s Prayer” which reads as follows:

“Dear Lord, help me do my work well, to have the memory of an elephant, and by some miracle to be able to do five things at once, answer four telephones while typing a letter that “must go out today”. When the letter doesn’t get signed for the next two days, please give me the serenity to keep my mouth shut.

“Dear Lord, never let me lose my patience, even when the boss has me searching files for hours for the report that is later discovered in his desk drawer.

“Give me the intelligence of a college professor, although my education is limited to a diploma and certificate.

“Help me to read his mind, his handwriting, and carry out all instructions without explanation.

“Let me always know exactly where my boss is and when he will be back, even though he never tells me these things.

“And Lord, when the year ends, please give me the foresight not to throw out records that will be asked for in a couple of days even though I was told emphatically “destroy these, they are cluttering up the place.”

“I ask these blessings, dear Lord, in the name of secretaries everywhere. Amen.”

This situation is faced, not just by secretaries, but by subordinates of all ranks in all offices. It would be amazing to record the statistics of how many people go back home from office completely exasperated because of the actions and the expectations of their bosses.

And yet the fact remains that bosses are also human. In fact the person who is sitting in the boss’ chair today, is the same person who was a subordinate for years, and who went home every day lamenting the behavior of his boss.

If that is so, then why is it so difficult to manage the boss? Why do thousands of people lose their motivation, their health and mental peace, only because of their bosses?

THERE IS A WAY

If one were to stop getting emotionally drowned, exasperated and choked, one can definitely find ways and means of making life with the boss much more pleasant and cheerful, thus also increasing the efficiency of the whole establishment. Let us go through some tips on handling the boss:

• First impressions are long lasting. When interacting with your boss for the first time, show due courtesies, and at the same time show him your worth so that he respects you.

• Build relationships when things are going fine. Praise the boss for his genuine qualities, but do not resort to flattering. Show concern about his personal life, his health, and his frustrations with his boss.

• Be assertive: Do not allow your boss to cow you down when you are not in fault. If you do not stand up for your rights from day one, it becomes extremely difficult to do so later.

• Learn to ask for what you want. Do not beg or plead, and do not demand. Calmly but assertively, explain your needs and wants.

• Never react when the boss loses his temper. Allow him to shout or scold, do not answer back, but do not get pulled down either. Look him in the eye with a neutral expression, and just wait till his temper cools down.

• When things are okay between you two, bring up issues which could become quite volatile when there is a crisis or emotional build up. Seek his advice and ask him how crisis situations are to be dealt with when they come.

• Never indulge in gossip or communication through third persons. Whatever you have to say, say it on the face of the person, but with due respect.

• When you have made a genuine mistake, be bold enough to apologize without resorting to giving excuses. And along with the apology suggest how the mistake can be amended.

• Share with your boss about your professional and personal problems. If he does not know what you are going through, how do you expect him to empathize with you?

These are just some of the tips that one can use to build a better relationship with one’s boss. Remember that every boss is an individual human being with his likes and dislikes, attitudes, wants and needs. Try to understand him better as a person, comply with those instructions which he holds dear to his heart, and in turn he will allow you flexibility in other areas.

And one more thing, make a copy of this article and give it to your boss to read.