Managing Your Boss

Managing somebody higher than you in the executive ladder is something that seems to be tougher than a burnt cookie. But every person in any position, from accounting jobs to higher executive jobs, should know how to manage his boss, especially if he’s prone to showing unpleasant behavior towards you and your workmates. Here are some tips that can help you improve the way you work with your boss.

• Cut your boss some slack. There must be a valid reason why he acted negatively towards you the other day. Don’t think automatically that he is out to make your life miserable. Imagine him as a reasonable person who has just had a rough day.
• Talk with somebody who isn’t from the office. If you must vent out, vent out to somebody who doesn’t know your boss. Confiding in a workmate may cause gossip and unnecessary tension between you and your boss.
• Resist the urge to act negatively. You will only end up damaging your reputation and making it difficult for you to finish your work. After all, doing that will not benefit you or damage your boss in any way.

• Discuss the problem/s with your boss. Do not lash out on your boss. Instead, have a conversation about your needs and your concerns, treating it as a problem-solving meeting.
• Be open to feedback. Let your guards down and take the opportunity to talk with your boss as a time for you to hear feedback from him. Every story has two sides. The way you feel about your boss may be influenced by some negativity on your side too.
• Treat everything as business. If you will not be able to separate your personal feelings from business matters, you might end up getting hurt and bitter towards your boss and work.
• Don’t think of yourself as the victim. If you will keep on having this mindset, you will always have prejudices towards your boss. Imagine yourself as a partner and not as a victim of power tripping. This will help you see the situation as an opportunity for you and your boss to improve your working relationship.
• Ask for feedback regularly. Whenever you feel something is not quite right between you and your boss, maybe it is time to ask for feedback. Your being proactive in asking for it will make a good impression, and your boss will provide you with constructive criticism. This lets you be in check and focused on work. If your boss tells you that you’re doing great, then take his work for it and let them help you deal with any negative emotions you feel about him.