| With all of the attention today on learning how to | | | | support you want. |
| manage your career, it's surprising that one of the | | | | 3. UNDER-PROMISE & OVER-DELIVER - It's natural |
| most critical skills you need to get ahead doesn't get | | | | to want to impress your boss by making big |
| much attention. That skill is the fine art of managing | | | | promises. However, no matter how much you |
| your boss. | | | | actually accomplish, if you don't live up to the |
| Over the course of your career, you'll have some | | | | expectations you set, you can't help but damage |
| great bosses and some who aren't so good. Some | | | | your reputation. When you exceed expectations, you |
| may be unsupportive, some may not give you the | | | | build credibility in the eyes of the people who count. |
| credit you deserve for your work, and some may | | | | 4. DON'T FOCUS ONLY ON PROBLEMS - Yes, your |
| even take out their own frustrations on you. | | | | boss is busy. But just because you're lucky to get a |
| While few situations are as discouraging as having an | | | | few moments, doesn't mean you should focus only |
| incompetent boss or one who regularly finds fault | | | | on difficulties. Make sure you regularly discuss positive |
| with you, the good news is that most bosses really | | | | performance and future plans. |
| want to do their best. Often the right skills can help | | | | 5. OFFER SOLUTIONS - Never take a problem to |
| you manage your boss and turn a marginal | | | | your boss without offering 2 or 3 possible solutions |
| relationship into a more productive one. | | | | at the same time. This gives you an opportunity to |
| TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANAGING YOUR | | | | showcase your problem-solving ability. And if you |
| BOSS | | | | simply want your boss's input on a problem, be sure |
| If you want to influence the outcome of your | | | | to make that clear. Otherwise you boss may feel |
| relationship with your boss, you have to take | | | | that you are trying to transfer your problem to her. |
| responsibility. If you wait around for your boss to | | | | 6. ASK FOR FEEDBACK - One of the hallmarks of |
| make the first move, you may miss out on important | | | | top performers is their habit of seeking out criticism |
| opportunities. | | | | to help them improve their performance. While |
| Here are some action steps you can take RIGHT | | | | compliments are always nice to receive, if you want |
| NOW to build a more productive and rewarding | | | | to advance rapidly in your career, constructive |
| relationship with your boss: | | | | criticism from your boss is often more useful. If your |
| 1. KNOW YOUR BOSS'S PRIORITIES - Your boss's | | | | boss doesn't coach regularly, be sure to ask about |
| opinion of you is critical. Linking your activities to what | | | | ways that you can improve your performance. |
| matters most to him or her makes you a more | | | | Practically everything you achieve in your career, you |
| valuable team member. It also helps you make better | | | | will achieve through working with others. Your future |
| decisions about how to spend your time. | | | | success depends greatly on your ability to effectively |
| This doesn't mean that you need to agree with | | | | manage relationships with your boss, your peers, |
| everything your boss says. When properly handled, | | | | your subordinates and your customers. |
| disagreements can build your credibility and gain you | | | | Today, relationship strategies rule the world. To |
| greater support. Just make sure that both you and | | | | become a rising star in your career you must learn |
| your boss are aiming for the same goals. | | | | and apply them. When you master these strategies |
| 2. ASK WIIFH? - Before you present ideas to your | | | | for managing your boss you'll find it easier to get |
| boss, ask, "What's in it for him?" Think about how | | | | support for your objectives. You'll be able to earn |
| your objectives further your boss's goals and | | | | more, get promoted faster, and ultimately achieve |
| priorities. If you can demonstrate how your ideas will | | | | the career success you want. |
| benefit your boss, you're far more likely to get the | | | | |