Bad Bosses
YOU THINK you are my boss. I think you are the original grouse. Man, you don't know what appreciation is! That is not surprising since you don't as much as know your own job! You wouldn't know how to manage a bunch of school kids let alone a team. You blink like a bat when we discuss the latest set of skills on the market, and yet you have the nerve to give a cursory glance at my best- written proposal and remark `hmmm---you need to add something else to it'. What else, FIRE? I would quit sooner if I didn't have to earn my money. And sure as anything, you ARE making me earn EVERY PENNY OF IT! You are not alone in the corporate world, experiencing such a situation. Remember, just because the boss is in charge doesn't mean he knows how to supervise. Often, as employee, you have to take that extra effort to make things work. Get to the boss's level; learn his language and interests that resonate with him, and use them to communicate with him. Everyone in the organisational spectrum has had to cope with this incompetent boss. And, the higher up you are on the Organisational ladder, the more acute the problem becomes. How to manage your boss, then? Here are some tips:
Gather information to find out what's important to your manager--the essence of the approach should be more in sync with what makes him tick. It can lead to a better relationship.
Try to figure out what your boss is really saying. Although it may be difficult, try not to take the verbal barrage personally. Ask yourself, "What is the deeper meaning behind this attack?" Perhaps your boss wants something from you, but is unable to ask diplomatically.
Interrupt the flow of venom. If you're caught in the middle of a tongue-lashing, find an opportunity to remove yourself from the situation. Excuse yourself to go to the restroom or say you've got a call on hold. The break will allow your boss to cool down.
Move out of harm's way. If you're able to figure out your boss's behaviour pattern and can determine when the next eruption will occur, look for a reason to leave the office. Go out on a field assignment so that you are not in the line of sight.
Lighten your boss's load. Offer to tackle time-consuming tasks so that your boss can divert energy to more pressing matters, such as decision-making. Many bosses don't manage well simply because they're too busy. Be opportunistic.
Actively seek honest opinions. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with your boss and solicit feedback by asking for his "thoughts" on specific issues. Acknowledge every titbit of input with a nod and smile, encouraging the boss to be even more forthcoming.
Give your inputs, too. Tell your boss how you would like to be supervised. Broach the topic informally, asking for the boss's advice on how you can do your job better. You might seek clarification on your level of authority and responsibility, deadlines and guidelines.
It helps if you say, "Here's the problem and here's the solution." By helping him, you help yourself in tailoring a decision that's agreeable to you.
Build trust. It might sound like a death wish, but ask your boss for tighter controls on your work. Show that you can operate under those conditions and earn the boss's respect and trust. If you have a month to meet a project deadline, suggest that it be completed in three weeks.
Take baby steps toward more authority. If your boss is afraid of relinquishing authority, ask for small concessions. Offer to take on a job that you know is insignificant to your boss -- perhaps a project that he's not interested in anyway. Once you've proved you can handle the job, ask for more responsibility.
Be prepared. To decrease the chance of being attacked for shoddy work, make sure to follow instructions carefully and double-check your work. Back up all your ideas with tons of facts so that your boss can't pick them apart.
Don't question the boss's expertise. After all, he is convinced that he is the expert. So, don't try to discredit his knowledge unless you want a huge fight.
Ask questions to clarify ideas. Instead of disputing who's right and who's wrong, ask naive questions for clarification. If the boss can answer your question, he might be able to show that your concern is unwarranted. If a question cannot be answered adequately, the boss may have an opportunity to take your ideas into consideration.
Document your work. Keep careful records showing that your work is indeed yours. Present your information in front of other colleagues. Make sure to "cc" your boss's boss on memos documenting your work. These tactics will ensure that others know which contributions are yours, should your boss try to steal credit for your work.
Look for systemic ways to solve the problem. Instead of attacking your boss, suggest ways to change the system so that the boss can no longer commit the misdeed. For example, if your boss is pocketing change from the petty cash fund, find a way to suggest tighter controls.
Take strong action, if necessary. Decide whether your boss's actions are illegal or simply unethical. Once you've determined this, poll your colleagues to gauge whether they share your perceptions. Go to your human resources department or union for assistance. If you're considering taking legal action, determine the toll that will take on your career, emotions and finances.
MALLIKA JAYASHEELA
faqs@cnkonline.com
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