Manage Your Boss - And Get Ahead!

It's clear there are a number of common issues faced by business people across totally unrelated industries and environments. This series was created to provide some perspective and guidance to executives as they negotiate their way up the corporate ladder.

In 2001, I started the consulting and coaching practice, which came to known as The Business Success Coach.net. I'd just finished working with a very large multinational firm owned by one of the largest companies in the world. With 25 years as an executive in various industries across the US and Canada; I'd managed startups and overseen layoffs of thousands of people.

I had enough boardroom experience to be certain that many hassles faced by management today can be prevented.

Choose your Boss Wisely

The best Tip I can give anyone just entering business life is, "choose your first job based upon the boss and not on money or upward mobility prospects. How you learn the ropes in the early years will set you up for life." Once in, we all learn that Tony Soprano, Miranda Priestly and Ebenezer Scrooge have a few things in common. These fictional characters, inhabiting the world of television, novels and films, are the stereotype of a nightmare boss.

If any of them remind you of YOUR boss, you may be wondering what can be done to 'manage' her or him. As a business coach, hear the issue frequently mentioned, and it seems to be more prevalent each year. The relationship with the boss is a big concern for both recent hires and for individuals who've been with a company for a while.

New hires are often surprised to learn that the boss doesn't seem to care a lot about their career aspirations. For many people who've worked for a company for a longer term, these lofty expectations for how the boss should behave don't diminish over time. The expectations are, in fact, a big part of job dissatisfaction. For the more experienced, the relationship with the boss is viewed from the point of view of the individual's aspirations for professional growth through promotions, increased compensation, bonuses, and perks.

Reality Check

And so you want to learn how to 'manage the beast'. Can you? Should you? Who can help you learn how to do it?

If you are thinking about getting a coach to help you develop a strategy to deal with your boss, let me save you the time and money with some straightforward advice: Yes - you can manage your boss. In fact you'll get farther ahead if you learn how to use your boss' quirks to YOUR advantage.

Here are a 'Top 10' of Tips and Secrets I've seen used very effectively by managers over the years. I put it together with the help of Barry Agnew, a very good friend. Agnew is one of the finest marketing and sales promotion guru's I've ever met. Anyone seeking new ideas would be wise to talk to him. Email me for his contact info.

Working Smarter

John's Tip #1: Results = Rewards. There will be times it seems that form and process are the most important things in your company and consequently to your boss. They aren't.

Over thirty years, I don't recall a single person getting a monster bonus at year's end or awesome promotion for following the company's process better than the rest of us. Over the long run, great rewards and promotions go to the one who gives great results.

John's Tip #2 Face time works to your benefit. So your boss is incompetent; & doesn't have a clue about the company, your job or even his own. Do you really have to waste more your time meeting with him (or her)? Yes, absolutely. And it's not a waste.

It's actually smart to spend time with your superior. Don't rely solely on email or voicemail. Your boss probably receives too many electronic messages already. And while it seems like efficient time management to communicate through email or voicemail, it does little good for your career if (s)he doesn't know much about you beyond the role you perform.

Go out of your way to talk to the boss about your responsibilities and accomplishments in person. Leave it to everyone else to fill up the boss' in-boxes.

John's Tip #3: A good listener is hard to find. Recognize that all bosses expect to be heard and then have their directions followed. So - "Listen, listen, listen. And remember that you have two ears and one mouth for a good reason."

Don't be one of those misguided types who debates everything they're instructed to do. After the first 1 or 2 times, it doesn't show anyone how smart you are. It just becomes tiresome. If this is tough at times, keep in mind that someone else in your company is ready and willing to listen to the boss. Better it's you.

Your Boss Works Late?

John's Tip #4: Be there. If the boss is at work, it'll be much better for your career if you are there as well. This isn't particularly convenient if the boss has no personal life, likes to work a lot of hours or thinks sleeping & vacations are overrated. Nonetheless it's usually effective if you want to get ahead. Let the boss know that you're there for the good, the bad and the ugly. (S)he'll see that you are committed to supporting him or her and the company. The boss will also recognize those who are never there as well. You want to be seen as the person who can always be counted on. That leads me to:

John's Tip #5: Just fix it. Bosses like and reward people who tell them after the fact that a potential problem was identified & fixed before it became an issue needing them to get involved. When we behave this way, bosses feel confident that they have the right managers in place (and having such great staff makes the bosses look real smart!). Bosses usually recognize and value initiative and resourcefulness - so go ahead, be confident in your own skills and resolve the situation on your own, then tell your boss all about your success.

Honesty Always? Oh Honestly!

John's Tip #6: Never make the boss nervous. Many execs practice "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." But this truth banner can be carried too far. In most cases, it's wrong to think that every time things appear to be heading south (or even when the mere possibility of such thing is on the horizon), you must brief the boss. While it may be a good tactic if the boss is a committed micro manager, usually this almost- compulsive adherence to full disclosure will just cause bosses to start seeing you as the person who regularly makes him or her reach for a bottle of purple pills. Remember Pavlov's dog. Make sure the boss doesn't associate you with bad news.

John's Tip #7: Never delegate up. However you got your job; someone thought you were capable of it. Let them keep thinking it. Understand that people in the executive suite usually aren't impressed by anybody who frequently runs upstairs asking for advice doing their job. Busy bosses simply do not have time to coddle their staff or to hand holding along every step. If it looks like you can't do the job without constantly going to your superior for guidance, it will become pretty clear to her or him that the company can do things faster (and better) without you. Not a good thing for anyone seeking entry into that executive suite.

Look Right. And Look the Right Way.

John's Tip #8 Your workplace isn't a democracy. If you haven't figured it out already, the North American business model is hierarchal. That means that the person above you doesn't need to consult or even discuss issues with you if (s)he chooses not to. Your voice or vote will not always count. Just remember: its your responsibility to do what it takes to understand what the boss wants and give it (which leads us to:).

John's Tip #9: Look up not down. If you look after your boss's needs before those of your own team, you increase your chances of getting your team looked after more fully. Your boss will recognize that you work hard to make him / her look good; and will be more likely to provide you with the resources you and your team need to do the job better.

John's Tip #10: Image is everything. Well, not everything but it's a really important thing. Your image or "presence" has a great impact in your professional life. Make certain you look appropriate for the role you want to have & not just your current one. Do the best you can with what you have. Be a confident communicator, particularly in person and when making presentations. The person with 'presence' is more likely to be regarded as a future leader than another who's more introverted.

There you have them. Use these Tips to your advantage. And if you don't agree with any of these Tips, always remember - only you should decide what's right for your situation before jumping in. This is your life.

John McKee is the expert and visionary behind http://www.BusinessSuccessCoach.net, an online destination for professionals, from small and large business owners, to entry-level managers to senior-level executives -- and everyone in between, who aspire to maximize their success in the business world. John is now a 30-year veteran of corporate boardrooms and executive suites and he provides ambitious business people with sound, first-hand advice by phone, using his wealth of experience.

Take a Free, 7 Part mini Coaching Session by email by signing up at the website now.


More Resources

Networking - A Key Factor in a Successful Job Search
In today's economy, job seekers need an edge beyond their experience, education and specific industry and job-related skills, in order to find and secure a position. Regardless if you are looking for an opportunity as CEO, Vice President, IT Manager or Customer Service Representative, you need effective tools to compete within a market that is job-poor and candidate rich.
Supplement Your Skills and Improve Your Work Position
It is often said that the majority of people are but a few checks away from homelessness. Without a consistent income, this may be a true statement.
Think Twice Before You Change Jobs
You've got the itch to change jobs. This might be a good time to make the move.
Career Success: Get Ahead of the Crowd
Regardless of where you open your briefcase or palm pilot each day - at a large corporation, a small business or the end of your dining room table - the key to staying employable the rest of your life is your own creative action. The person who is going to be successful is not going to succeed just because of good work.
How to Get the Job You Want in Any Economy... Act Like a Headhunter
Having spent the last few years of my career in the staffing and recruiting industry, I'm asked all the time by friends and relatives if I can help them find a more desirable job. I've helped my fiancé get a job, helped my college buddies get jobs after graduation, and even helped a few high school buddies find jobs having not seen them for years.
How To Ask For A Pay Rise!
Negotiating a pay rise is not something many people do on a regular basis. By applying these keys you will be well positioned to improve your negotiation skills and feel more empowered when asking for a pay rise.
Where Do I Go From Here?
Making Your Future Work Better For YouIt's the commonest concern people have about their careers. Where am I heading? Is this the right direction for me? How can I tell what will suit me best? Making good career decisions doesn't have to be agony if you clear away a few misconceptions.
Four Job Interview Mistakes That Can Torpedo Your Chances of Success
What are the worst mistakes job hunters make? It turns out there are four big ones. These four mistakes turn up repeatedly when executives responsible for hiring talk about the reasons why someone didn't get a job offer.
The Top 10 Mistakes Job Seekers Should Avoid In Contacting An Employer
There are numerous tools and resources available to guide job seekers through the steps of a career transition. These tools are very useful and suggest much that you should do.
Use Job Search Hacks to Get Hired Faster
Job searching alone is like hitchhiking a scary ride with an unknown stranger on a 180-mile long deserted, no-exit road with hopes you'll make your destination. When you lack time or expertise to plan career moves carefully, sometimes the loss of ground is not apparent until years later.
Personal Grooming: 8 Top Reasons Why You Can't Take It For Granted In Your Career
Most people when they landed "the dream job" after an interview or even got "the deal" of the lifetime in their businesses, sadly to say tend to slack on their grooming habits and it even goes to the point that they are wearing their pajamas going to the office. It seems that's very extreme but it happens.
Why Do Interviews Die: That Sinking Feeling and How to Prevent it!
Interviews die because a mistake occurred. Sometimes, you've made a mistake; sometimes they die because someone who screened a resume did.
Career Advice On Freelance Writing Jobs
Sometimes the freelance writing jobs available are those that no one wants. Or, they are those that new businesses are looking to fill.
Staying In Shape
Why Lawyers Should Eat Bananas by Simon Tupman is a book that caught my eye both because of its unusual title and because I coach lawyers who are growing their practices. The book cover says it gives "Inspirational Ideas for Lawyers Wanting More Out of Life"Much of what Mr.
Resume Objectives: How Do You Know if Resume Objectives Are Right for You?
Some experts say NEVER bother with resume objectives.While others say they should be an essential element onevery resume.
Job Interviews: Ill File a Grievance!
I recently went to a retirement party with my husband for one of his co-workers. I worked at this same place six years ago (that's where I met my husband, but that's another story), so I knew most of the people at the party.
Networking is the Key to Star Performance in Everything You Do.
Many people's idea of networking relates to the 'size of their Christmas Card List, rather than the quality of their relationship with each person on that list. Similarly those people network, but few reap the rewards of zeroing in on their potential.
Rekindling Passion for Work
Passion comes in many forms. I'm focused on the version of passion that is "boundless enthusiasm".
20 Powerful Tips For Advancing Your Career
You don't want to stay in your current position forever..
Moving From A Weekend Hobby To Career In The Arts
Building a career as an artist takes hard work. Because the field attracts so many talented people, jobs in this field remain competitive.

More Careers & Employment Information:

Related Articles

5 Things You Need To Know Before Deciding On A Certification Training
The right certification trainingTrainings vary a lot when it comes to quality. It's essential to choose your certification training provider based on things such as the quality of materials, trainers' competence and skills, counseling facilities, track record etc.
Business Dress for Women: Making Impact
Buying a suit can be an important investment when you are trying to improve your look for business or career advancement. Wearing a standard off-the rack suit for business or a job interview does not always mean success.
Layoff Survival Guide - Do You Have The Career Management Horsepower It Will Take To Survive?
In a recent survey of over 662 career seekers, some disturbing trends identified that MOST career seekers don't have a clue what career management skills they have or what those skills are! As a result, it will be difficult for these career seekers to succeed.In fact, only 71% of the respondents recognized they had any career management skills at all! That's why they are particularly vulnerable to future layoffsBefore skipping to the answers, try your hand at identifying YOUR career management skills.
Why a Professional Resume?
As a job search tool your Resume is your main calling card. It explains who you are and what you have to offer.
Confidence Is Critical to YOUR Success....
Make EYE contact when you look at another person. Look at them!! Don't look down at your shoes or away from the other person.
Is a Career Change on Your Horizon?
Making a career change is nothing new in today's job market.I've heard it said that the average American changescareers at least once in his or her life.
We Rejected Your Résumé Today
Hi, I am Mr. Employer.
Reinvent Yourself in a New Career
Some people reserve the word "vocation" for religious calling. Contemporary career guides encourage us to think of a "life purpose" that guides and gives meaning to a life, regardless of career.
Interview Thank-You Letters
The number one etiquette tip for interviews is writing a thank-you letter. This is not a tool commonly used by job seekers right now.
Managing Emotions During Career Change and Job Search, Part One
How can you manage your emotions during your career change or job search? To answer this practical and wise question, let's first define what emotions are.
Why Well Produced Career Portfolios Are Replacing CVs
What is a Career Portfolio?The original portfolio used by artists looking for work was simply a collection of works demonstrative of the artists style and ability. Because their works varied in size and shape, portfolios came in all sizes and shapes.
Why You Should Never Complain About Former Bosses
You're at a job interview. You're doing great, answering questions left and right.
2 Job-Search Success Stories
Here are two success stories from my readers who found great new jobs last week. As you read each story, ask yourself, "How could I apply this to my job hunt?"1) Job-search goal cards workHere's a story sent in by Fred, from Chanhassen, Minn.
Make a Great First Impression
Searching for employment is one of the most nerve-racking activities to engage in. As if the direct need for income is not stressful enough, the process of writing a résumé, networking in your industry, and applying for jobs can leave anyone shaking in their tracks.
Take the Personal Out of the Workplace: Leave Your Troubles at the Door!
Bringing your emotional baggage into the work place is inappropriate for all the reasons you may imagine. Yet employees, managers and business owners do it all the time.
20 Questions That Helped Me Take A Leap Of Faith And Change Careers
When I was working more than 45 hours a week in a job with a two hour commute each day, the challenge of a new husband, new step children, two beagle dogs and maintaining a home was more than a stretch! Something had to give, and unfortunately I was the one starting to not be able to hold it together!It was a Catch 22 situation. We had an expensive home near the city center with large mortgage costs, which demanded feeding through joint incomes.
Common Résumé Mistakes
Using a general résumé.DON'T DO IT! You cannot successfully use the same résumé to apply to several different jobs.
Write Resume Keywords That Gets Your Application Read
As children we often used to read stories where magical words can open caves filled with treasures or magicians using words like abracadabra..
Interview Quicksand
How will you respond when you're asked the following two questions?1.What type of boss do you like to work for?2.
Self Describing Skills - Key Strengths
You need to be the best you can at describing your best qualities; particularly your key strengths. In my coaching practice I generally, at some point, ask my client: "What are you good at?" purely as a means to establish if they have already thought through this most important question.