Managing Up an Unmanageable Boss
Working for a difficult boss can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to be untenable. Although your boss won't change their ways, there are steps you can take to manage the relationship and set yourself up for success on the job.
Assess the situation.
The first thing you're going to have to do is assess the situation. What are your boss's goals? How do they relate to others' goals? Are they achievable, or are they pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking? Once you've figured that out, it should be easier for you to understand how much influence your boss has and what you can do about it.
Understand your boss's management style.
Your boss is a person, too. That means they have different styles, preferences, and habits. Your job as an employee is to figure out how your manager works so you can do your work in a way that pleases them. Do they prefer email over phone calls? Do they like written reports or presentations? How does their office space look when it comes time for reviews? Is there anything unusual about them (like being a neat freak or having no patience for latecomers)?
Understand the way things get done.
It's important to understand the way things get done at your company. This can help you manage up, because you'll know what your boss is responsible for and how they should be helping you. You may also find that there are areas where your boss is not being effective, so you can adjust accordingly. For example:
Do decisions get made at staff meetings? If so, make sure that you're invited to those meetings as well.
Are projects managed by committees? If so, make sure someone on the committee knows that they need to include input from all stakeholders (including yourself).
Does everyone have equal access to resources?
Try to find out what your boss doesn't know.
Ask for feedback on how you can best improve yourself within the company and make sure that there are no concerns about your work performance or attitude. Also ask them directly if there's anything else they could use help with or want assistance with; don't be afraid to ask questions or request help from someone who's not technically in charge of you! Remember: They're not mind readers so let them know what kind of support and feedback would benefit both parties involved.
Rememer your ultimate goals.
This is a big one, as it can help keep you on track and focused on the long-term picture. If you're in an environment where your boss is constantly changing directions, or prioritizing short-term gains over long-term ones, it can be easy to get caught up in the chaos, or to lose sight of what's important to you and why you're there at all. When this happens (and it will), remember what motivates you: is it money? Is it success? Is it feeling valued by others? Whatever gets your blood pumping for work will help keep things in perspective when everything seems like a mess.
Remember that your ultimate goal is to achieve the results you want and work with people you respect. In doing so, you’ll not only get more out of your job but also develop skills that will help you wherever your career takes you next.
