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