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Why do most management training courses deal with how to effectively manage your staff rather than how to effectively manage your supervisor? You are well aware of the need to efficiently manage personnel to get the job done smoothly, but what effects can managing your relationship with your boss have?
Together, you and your supervisor are a team. Your success depends on each other. So how do you ensure a fruitful working relationship where you can both reap the benefits? Start learning how to best manage your supervisor by asking yourself the following questions.
What Type of Person Is My Supervisor?
Is your supervisor a bottom-line person, or does he want all the details? If you are giving a lot of details to someone who just wants the bottom line, you will both become frustrated very quickly. You may think your supervisor doesn't care about how hard you worked on a project, but this may not be the case. A bottom-line supervisor believes you do all the background work; otherwise, he would not entrust you with the project. Your boss is probably just looking for results. If you understand your manager's personality early in the game, you will both be much happier in your working relationship.
Is My Supervisor a Morning or Afternoon Person?
If you know your supervisor is not a morning person, try not to be the first meeting on his schedule -- especially if the two of you need to discuss problems. You may find your supervisor is more receptive to helping you resolve these issues at 2 p.m. than if you tackled him before the second cup of coffee.
Am I Helping My Supervisor Meet His Goals?
You will be better able to assist your supervisor if you understand what he is trying to accomplish. Knowing his specific goals may give you a better understanding of where the department is going. Using that information, you can take a proactive approach in helping your supervisor meet goals and objectives. He will see you as a valued member of the team, and as your supervisor moves up in the organization, so will you.
Do I Have a Clear Understanding of What My Supervisor Expects of Me?
A few lucky people may actually have supervisors who outline objectives and expectations for them. Everyone else needs to fill in the blanks as best they can. If your boss is someone who deals well with details, send him an outline of what you think the expectations are. Ask for feedback and approval. If your supervisor is someone who cringes at the sight of more paper, initiate several informal conversations about your role and responsibilities in the department. Keep records of these conversations so you can refer to them, and be sure you are meeting your supervisor's goals.
Am I Doing All I Can to Make My Supervisor and Department Look Good?
Let's face it -- when your supervisor looks good, you look good. You should always be looking for ways to help your supervisor shine. If you have some ideas on how to improve your department, let him know. Be sure to do this privately and in a nonconfrontational way. As the department improves, you will gain more credibility, which can only help your career.
Once you really start to manage your supervisor, you will find that you are working more as a partner than a subordinate. As a partner, your supervisor may give you more responsibility, which can lead to career growth and more job satisfaction. Give it a try. You might like the results you get when you turn the tables and effectively supervise your relationship with your supervisor.