Saturday, January 5, 2013

ON-THE-JOB SPECIAL...Know your boss



Know your boss

Have you said all the wrong things to your boss? Do you believe that nothing could make him or her value your inputs to the organisation? Some interesting tips to make working with different kinds of bosses easier 

The “Do-what- you-are-asked-to-do” boss
Your boss does not care for your inputs. You are most often interrupted mid-sentence so that a colleague or the boss himself can deliver the final word. For a boss like him, there are no right things; everything you do seems to fall short of what was expected from you.

Deal with it - Be polite and patient. If interrupted mid-way through your sentence, simply say that what you were saying will prove beneficial for the required end. Avoid being testy or aggressive. A confrontation would be good only when accusations are backed with real instances of rude behaviour rather than implications. If things worsen, quit!

The “I-don’t-care; Do-what-you-want” boss
He’s hardly ever in the office. And when he is, he’s never at his desk. He stops at the desks of all his colleagues. He’s the last person anyone would go to for an advice or a decision. And when you do, he does not even care to respond. And he gets credit for the work you do.

Deal with it – Go to him for the final word; let him not hit back saying, “the least you could have done was ask!” Never complain about him not doing any work. Let him be, if and when things go wrong, the credit for that too goes to him.

The “Oh-you-work-here!” Boss
He does not notice you even when you stand right in front of him. He skips you and speaks to your subordinates directly, whom you should be delegating work to. Chances are your boss thinks that you are better at his work than him and you are being eschewed.

Deal with it – Ignore. Make sure your team sees that you are making an effort to work harmoniously despite your boss’ intervention. Avoid confrontation because your boss feels he does not owe you an explanation. Tell higher-level authorities that your potential is being wasted. If nothing comes off it, look for a better opportunity.

The “Do-what-you-think-is-right. I-support-you” Boss
Your boss is rare. He gives you freedom to work. He effectively delegates work and trusts you with the execution. He offers suggestions at all times yet gives you enough space and motivation to grow within the organisation.

Deal with it – Your boss will appreciate an honest and open relationship and also allows for suggestions on improvisation. He is the best of all other boss’ you have had, just reciprocate the relationship by being the best team member he’s ever worked with. Meet deadlines, apologise when wrong, point out mistakes and suggest improvisations.

The “Mentor-Boss”Your boss is a threatened species. He advises you on the right move in not only your professional life, but also on the personal front. He is the one you automatically turn to when faced with a difficulty. He is the kind who will approach you, if you do not, when you seem to be in a problem situation.

Deal with it – Respect him always. Remember that the blunt yet honest remarks from your boss give you a chance to be a better person. He is one of a kind, just always keep in touch with him.

(NBP 3mr07)

No comments: