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