The care and nurturing of your boss has an impact on your success as a manager. Keeping your boss happy is a priority. All sorts of good things can happen: a promotion, a pay raise, a steady flow of praise and access to interesting assignments.
An unhappy boss can make your life miserable. Sometimes you can have a boss who is a bad person. In those cases, it is wise to seeker greener pastures with a better boss. Suffering abuse from your supervisor is not a good idea.
Of course, there are limits to what you should do for your boss. Draw the line at illegal or immoral actions.
Let’s look at a few things that you can do to help your boss do his or her job better. The idea is to make your boss look good for his/her boss.
KEEP THEM IN THE LOOP
Make sure that your boss is completely informed about your activities and those of your unit. It doesn’t look good to his/her superiors when your boss is clearly out of the loop.
NO SURPRISES
When something bad happens, make sure your boss is the first one to know. Indeed, if there is even a possibility that something bad is going to happen, your boss should know about it. It is very embarrassing to have a disaster on your hands and not be able to explain what is going on.
MAKE THEM LOOK GOOD
You have a success: your department wins an award, gets a big new contract, increases profits, etc. Let your boss know so that he/she can share in the glory.
BE LOYAL
Sometimes managers have to make difficult decisions. They can even be wrong. Do not go around complaining to everybody about a decision your boss made. If you disagree, talk to her or him in private. To your staff and the rest of the company, express support for your boss or keep silent. Bad-mouthing your superior will come back on you.
BE RELIABLE
If you promise to do something, or your boss asks you to do something, do it. That also means doing it well and on time. By your actions, your boss will know that he or she can depend on you.
NO SHORT CIRCUITING
Sometimes managers who don’t like a decision of their boss will go to the next level, their bosses’ boss. This is called short circuiting. Try to avoid doing this unless it is an absolutely desperate situation. It could mean the end of your employment with the company
POINTS TO REMEMBER
⦁ NO SURPRISES
⦁ BE LOYAL
⦁ MAKE THEM LOOK GOOD
Managing in English