Communications of the ACM
Three Cardinal Rules For Managing Your Boss
Credit: Information Week
Instead of blaming your boss for your problems in the workplace, it's better to learn his or her style and adapt. This basic rule for managing your boss is based on the finding that one of the biggest problems with IT manager-employee relationships is a lack of communication. Engineers tend to be much more comfortable with technical challenges than communication, meaning a lot is left unsaid. Instead of focusing on what their bosses are not doing well, IT employees should instead be focused on improving the lines of communication. After all, you can't change your boss, but your own behavior and approach to interactions are 100% in your control.
You can't change your boss's style, but you can understand and adapt to it. Write down words that accurately describe your manager's style. Is he or she a big picture or more detail-oriented person? Cost-focused or power-focused? Who in the organization does he or she want to impress, and why? If you can give your boss information in the format he or she wants, the relationship could improve dramatically. The takeaway is to thoroughly understand your boss's approach and tailor your interaction style to align.
From Information Week
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