Chris's Musings On Leadership And Other Stuff

We have all worked for both good and bad bosses in our career. I came across some tips to help you get along with the hard-to-get-along-with boss:

• Keep an Open Mind – Don’t assume your boss has nefarious intentions. It’s possible your manager is simply unaware of the effect of his or her actions.  Go into each encounter with the assumption that they mean well, but are clumsy about interpersonal relations.
•  Connection Campaign – If you can’t connect with a “bad boss”, be sure you have a strong network of connections with co-workers. They can help provide direction, feedback and support on work projects when you aren’t getting that constructive support from your boss.  Be sure your connections stretch across different departments and that way, if things get really bad (your boss can’t – or won’t – change), you’ll have contacts that can help you transition to another department.
• Have “The Talk” – Surprising, as it seems, most managers appreciate honest feedback. So give yours the opportunity to address your concerns about problem behaviors sooner rather than later (when you are so frustrated that you are ready to leave the company). For the best result, choose the right time and setting for this discussion. Don’t try to tackle “the talk” as your boss is dashing to a meeting or heading out the door to their kid’s soccer match, or in a meeting or hallway in front of co-workers. Instead, schedule time on their calendar and pick a neutral location like a quiet conference room away from teammates and higher ups.
• Be Prepared – If things don’t change, it may be time to move on. In fact, in the current economy, whether you work with a stellar boss or a horrible one, you should always be preparing for your next career move.  Don’t wait until you are out the door to lay the groundwork for your next job.  Now is the time to make sure that your LinkedIn profile showcases your latest accomplishments,that you are actively growing your network of connections, and that you are up to date on industry news.