How to keep your direct manager happy
Hey, let’s face it – keeping your direct line boss happy is a big chunk of what your job entails. Your boss has the most impact on your review, your compensation, your bonus and your rise up the corporate ladder. If you make your boss happier they will make you happier – one big giant party.
But, you may say, my boss isn’t happy no matter what I do. Maybe your boss is a tough boss; or maybe you are saying the wrong things, or not saying enough of the right ones.
Try these on for size – if they don’t work, you can always brush up your resume – nudge, nudge, wink, wink.
- “Boss, I saw , but I already took care of it.” Managers hate to hear about problems, but they love to hear solutions – before you go to your boss with a problem, think of some solutions that you can implement without going upstream.
- “I got this.” Managers love it when their folks take the initiative. When someone else brings up an issue or hurdle, volunteer to take it head-on before being asked. Just make sure you handle it to the end.
- “I have a way to save money.” This one is especially good these days. Companies are looking to cut costs whenever they can. If you see a way to cut costs, short- or long-term, bring it to the attention of your boss. It will get him/her serious props and you can be sure it will help you too.
- “Here have a few options to solve the problem – we can do ‘X,’ ‘Y,’ or ‘Z’ and here are the pros and cons for each.” Bosses love having options; they love having information to make choices; and they love it when you put it out there for them on a platter. Again, an opportunity to make your boss look like a hero.
- “Good news, boss.” This one is the opposite of the messenger being killed for bringing bad news. Being the bearer of good news makes the boss smile, or at least not frown so much. Certainly, you shouldn’t appear that you are looking for a pat on the back; and you need to make sure the good news has some real significance to the boss and the team – but feel free to let them know when the plan comes together.
So, start saying the right things and see how much better it makes things.
Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of Careers Done Write, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
Debra can be reached at -
DWheatman@ResumesDoneWrite.com
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