Watch Your Boss

"I want to be my own boss." That is a wish many people nurture while putting up with not-so-healthy relationships with their bosses.

The subordinate-boss relationship is a delicate one. Strains in it can lead to major frustrations, especially for a subordinate. On the other hand, having a good relationship with your boss - which is possible - can be an asset to your career.

One should not mess with the boss. That is common knowledge, but many people still end up having intractable problems with their bosses. It is not uncommon for people to leave jobs they love because of their bosses. For many, the boss is the main source of stress in their working lives.

Why is it difficult to avoid problems with the boss? There are two main reasons:

First, subordinates do not realise the need to actively manage their bosses. No one tells you this, but it is true: Managing your boss is a part of your work. Ignore it at your own peril.

Second, people do not know what to do beyond trying their best to fulfil the boss' wishes or trying, somehow, to please him. What needs to be done, however, is something quite different.

Observe his working style
Managing your boss starts with observing his working style. For example, how does he like to receive information?

According to management guru Peter Drucker, most people are either readers or listeners. Readers like to get information in written form whereas listeners prefer to hear it. If your boss is a reader, send a memo first and discuss it with him later. If he is a listener, brief him then follow up with a memo.

Does your boss prefer to know the agenda before a meeting or does he like to discuss issues on an ad hoc basis?

Does he prefer to be involved in the nitty-gritty or does he take a hands-off approach, wanting to be informed of only final outcomes or major issues?

Does he like to make decisions on his own or does he prefer to hear your recommendations first?

Observing your boss' working style closely will give you vital clues to what you should and should not be doing. The more you align yourself to his working style, the smoother your relationship will be.

Check expectations
A mismatch of expectations is a common source of subordinate-boss problems.

A subordinate may toil a full day to prepare a detailed cost estimate, only to find that the boss wanted only a quick estimate.

Ask questions and seek clarification until you are clear about your boss' expectations.

Similarly, you may assume the boss will provide you with the information and resources necessary to complete a task, but such expectations may turn out to be false.

What do you expect from your boss? Inform him, otherwise he may not know.

Ride on his strengths
You will do well if you not only use your own strengths, but also enable your boss to use his.

Ask yourself: What are my boss' main strengths? What does he generally do well in?

According to Peter Drucker, few things make an executive as effective as building on the strengths of his superior. So if your boss is a great communicator with clients, provide him opportunities to do this.

Be dependable
What is most frustrating for a boss? A subordinate whom he cannot depend on!

Agreeing to an overly optimistic date for completing a task may please a boss temporarily but may leave your trust account depleted if you fail to deliver. If you have made commitments, make sure you meet them.

Know the big picture
Subordinates often work hard but forget the big picture. A sure way to enjoy a good relationship with the boss is to keep an eye on his goals and objectives.

Finally, stop focusing on the boss' shortcomings. The boss is a human being, just like you!

Copyright © Atul Mathur, 2005
This article first appeared in The Straits Times 6 June 2005.

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