Three Tips to Effectively Manage Your Manager

Devora Zack, author of Managing For People Who Hate Managing, published an article in Fast Company recently for those that have to deal with incompetent managers at work.  The premise is that you can’t actually change your manager (actually, you can’t really change anybody!) but you do have complete control over your own actions. What does this mean? More preparation and thought on your end. Here are three tips for that type of preparation while managing up.

What’s bothering you about your manager? Does he wait until the last minute to give you a work assignment with a short turnaround time?  If this is the case, Tip One is to let your manager know what you’re working on, where you have time for new projects and an idea you’ve been thinking about. Also ask about upcoming projects and if there is anything you should  block on your calendar now.

Zack also offered some great ideas to help keep your manager in the loop. If this sounds like your office, Tip Two is to send your boss simple email progress reports for projects or client work. This simple tip allows you to show your boss the proactive measures you’ve taken, which helps communicate your expectations even if your manager hasn’t communicated them to you very well.

Is your manager extremely particular, perhaps a micro manager? Here’s Tip Three: beat her to it! Before starting a project, ask if there is any previous work or templates your manager recommends you browse through to mimic the style or look to for ideas. Be prepared to share some of your own ideas and possible works of reference as well.

What bothers you most about your manager? Leave a comment below; I’d love to help you brainstorm ideas to help make your job more enjoyable!