Instead of "controlling" your manager, focus on understanding, influencing, and building a productive working relationship. Direct control isn't realistic or effective in most professional settings. Here's how to manage up and improve your relationship with your manager:
1. Understand Your Manager
- Take the time to understand your boss's priorities, working style, and communication preferences. Knowing these aspects will help you tailor your interactions for maximum impact. For example, do they prefer email or face-to-face meetings? Are they detail-oriented or do they focus on the big picture? Understanding this will allow you to communicate with them more effectively.
2. Don't Try to Be a Transformer
- Accept your manager for who they are. You're not likely to fundamentally change their personality or management style. Instead, focus on adapting your approach to work effectively with them. Trying to drastically change someone can lead to frustration for both of you.
3. Build on Strengths (Your Own and Theirs)
- Identify your manager's strengths and find ways to leverage them. Similarly, showcase your own strengths and how they can benefit the team and your manager's goals. This creates a mutually beneficial dynamic. If your manager is great at networking, ask for introductions to key contacts. If you excel at data analysis, offer to provide them with insightful reports.
4. Focus Strengths on What Matters
- Align your strengths with your manager's key priorities. Ensure that your contributions directly support their goals and objectives. This will make you a valuable asset and build trust. Regularly ask about their priorities and how you can best support them.
5. Find Out What Works
- Experiment with different communication and collaboration strategies to determine what works best with your manager. Pay attention to their responses and adjust your approach accordingly. This is an ongoing process of refinement.
6. Build Your Relationship
- Invest time in building a positive and professional relationship with your manager. This includes active listening, offering support, and showing genuine interest in their work and perspectives. A strong relationship fosters open communication and mutual respect. This doesn't necessarily mean becoming best friends, but it does mean establishing a professional rapport built on trust.
7. Avoid Overload and Time Wasting
- Be mindful of your manager's time and avoid unnecessary meetings or requests. Prepare thoroughly before meetings and present information concisely. Respect their time and be efficient in your communication. This demonstrates professionalism and consideration.
8. Build a Bigger Network
- Expand your professional network beyond your immediate team. This can provide you with alternative sources of support, information, and perspective. It also reduces your reliance solely on your manager. Having other mentors and colleagues to consult with can provide a broader range of insights.
Ultimately, "managing" your manager is about proactive communication, understanding, and building a collaborative relationship focused on achieving shared goals.
