How to Manage your Manager (Boss)

The managerial role is a rather difficult role to fulfill. Those of you who read my blogs and are managers understand that being a boss is very difficult. Why? Well for many reasons. Managers are often held responsible for achieving goals set forth in their annual reviews. These goals are created by upper executive management and are pushed down for first line managers to achieve. They in turn will rely some of their objectives you, an employee to meet. Why? All employees play a role in an organization. Everything that you do in your daily jobs contributes to the whole pie. Therefore, managers and executive management rely on you the employee to get the work done. This is a very good concept. If you want to move up in a company and become a manager you have to not only learn to manage your duties, but also your manager.

Group Whynot provides trainings on management and employee training. Our goal is to help an organization increase workplace productivity. Our trainings focus on reducing workplace tension through facilitation of communication and listening. Contact us today for more information: info@groupwhynot.com Visit us: www.groupwhynot.com

Posted on behalf of Group Whynot

How do you manage your manager?

Be organized. Keep track of your objectives and goals that are set forth in your annual and mid year reviews. You have to make sure that you meet your objectives. If you need help, request it from your boss. If you do not get the assistance you need, go above them and ask their boss. Do not be afraid. But how you communicate is vital. You have to be diplomatic in anything that you request. Do not play the blame game or victim card. This creates a negative impression on you and go against any good intentions you may have. Remember, always remain positive. If you want to manage your manager, keep track of what you have achieved in relation to your goals.



Communicate. Mistakes are not easily forgotten or unseen. You may do everything correctly and 9/10 you perform above average. However, one mistake can really take a toll on your work. One major mistake can leave a bad impression. Therefore, if you make a mistake, be the first one to tell your manager. Do not let your manager find out otherwise. Be transparent and own up to your mistakes. You will earn the respect of your manager. Also, no one can throw you under the bus, should you make another mistake. The workplace arena can be very competitive and in order to overcome this, be transparent! If you manage your mistake, you can manage your manager. Manage your manager by also providing a few solutions to your mistake when you first approach them.

Be positive. The workplace is very stressful. Managers have added stress as their duties are even harder to achieve. Put yourself in their shoes. Not only do they have to manage a department but ensure that all the goals, P&L, etc are met. The stress is very high. However, that doesn't mean that you cannot complain to your boss if something goes wrong. Even if you are having a bad day, always end it with a positive note. Today problems exist, but before you leave for the day you will work on finding a solution. Be positive. Obstacles are thrown in our path and should be sought as challenges. You have to pick up the reins and fight these challenges head on, but with a positive attitude. If you have a positive attitude, you will be able to manage your manager by changing their mood and attitude towards the situation.

Relationships. It is important for you to create a relationship with your manager. A workplace relationship is one that is not based on friendship, but rather a professional and respectable relationship. You and your boss should respect each other on a professional level to create a peaceful environment. This will only help you to get through your work day without any added stress. Also, this will enable your boss to have faith in your work, and you.


 Work Hard. Working hard is important. You must go above and beyond your work duties and expectations. Be proactive and take the initiative to cross train. If you see your manager staying late and working long hours, then offer to help out. Helping out can mean making photocopies, scanning, or any other duties your boss may give you. This will only help with your relationship with your boss, but it is also a good way to secure your seat in the company. If you are a proactive employee, works with integrity, and does not complain unnecessarily, then you have the ability to move up in the organization.

Group Whynot provides trainings on management and employee training. Our goal is to help an organization increase workplace productivity. Our trainings focus on reducing workplace tension through facilitation of communication and listening. Contact us today for more information: info@groupwhynot.com Visit us: www.groupwhynot.com

Posted on behalf of Group Whynot