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Management

The need to 'Manage up'

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Many people do not take seriously the need to "manage up;" or at least they do not believe they can have any significant influence over their relationship with their boss which is totally untrue.

Certainly, personality plays a key role in establishing the dynamic between subordinate and manager. But any effort you put into enhancing that rapport can be very effective.

How to establish a better working relationship with your manager

Establish clear goals:

Both you and your manager must agree specifically on the goals expected of you and how they fit into the wider organisational perspective. This may sound simple for quantitative measurable objectives such as sales targets, and financial objectives may be tangible, but there are intangible goals as well such as maintaining good relations with key executives, or key departments. Make sure you ask directly "what more do you want me to accomplish?"

Keep him/her informed

Let your manager know what you are doing. Keep him/her informed of your progress, establish a ritual, for example a weekly email to give him/her a quick view of what's going on, or a biweekly face-to-face meeting.

Find out his/her preferred communication style and use it

Each one has their own favourite way to communicate with others, keep in mind what's your manager’s preference; is it emails, telephone, face to face. Always remember to tailor your communication to his/her preference.

Help your manager to look good

Determine your manager's KPI's (Key Performance Indicators) or the criteria used to evaluate his/her effectiveness and try to help by finding ways to contribute to his/her success.

Ask for feedback

Don't wait for the annual appraisal and ask for informal friendly feedback simply ask your manager if your performance is satisfactory and if he/she has any recommendations for you to improve your performance. Doing so will give your manager a feeling that you are genuinely conscientious, have self-drive, and want to improve.

Always tell the truth

This is a major one, you should always let your manager know what the true situation is no matter how bad the news is, you must bring it to his/her knowledge. Openness and candour about the business are extremely important.

Don't just come with a problem bring a solution too

If you must bring bad news or a problem, try as much as possible to have a proposed solution or two. No one wants to be labelled as incapable of dealing with issues so your solution may not be the best way to solve it but at least bring in the best analysis possible to the discussion.

Don't point fingers

Be professional, take ownership of problems and never point fingers saying it was their fault. Avoid criticising others or ill speaking of your colleagues. If your manager asks your opinion of a colleague, always try to be diplomatic.

Be optimistic

Keep an upbeat optimistic attitude, it will help project a positive impression of you, take advantage of your positive attitude if you are naturally an optimistic person.

Maintain your perspective. Situations are rarely as bad, or as good, as they appear. If you are in a difficult relationship with your manager, consider the lessons you are learning from the experience. Continue to build your internal network and avoid speaking derogatorily of your manager in public. If you are in a very positive working relationship with your boss, enjoy the benefits but do not begin to feel invincible. And be mindful of the potential complications from jealous peers who may regard you as the “boss's favourite”.

To summarise, treat your relationship with your manager as you would any other important relationship in your life. Invest time, energy, and creativity into making them happy, show your best self as much as possible, and create the habits in yourself that cultivate trust.

 

Contact us

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If you have any questions or require any help please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at t2 group. Simply complete the following form and we will be in touch with you shortly.

t2 group

t2 group
Head Office - Fern House, Unit 1 Links Court,
Fortran Road, St.Mellons,
Cardiff CF3 0LT

029 2079 9133

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