Understanding Your Boss - It's all in how you play the game

Understanding Your Boss
It’s all in how you play the game

But you are probably asking yourselves, why do I even need to bother? I am getting my job done and that’s all that matters in the end right? Well, not exactly. The difference between a star performer and an average performer can be the difference between making it to the top or not. So, for those of you who are interested in breaking away from the pack, here are some tips.

Managing Your Boss

You will find that one of the keys to being successful in your career is learning how to manage your boss. In order to do this effectively, you need to have a good understanding of where she is coming from. For example, if your boss is a bottom-line person, it is important not to clog up your conversations with her with details. She trusts that you have done your homework and is counting on you to provide her with the facts. Keep the details in your head in case you are asked for backup. Otherwise, stick to the facts and you will have a long and fruitful career with this person.

Dictator or Team Player

Does your boss prefer to dictate how things are done or is she more of a team player? If she prefers working as a team, be sure you are ready to take the ball if she tosses it your way. Keep in mind that the end goal is to make sure that your boss and your team look good. However, your boss does set the rules for the game, so make sure you understand how she wants you to play the game before you run down the field in the wrong direction.

Body Language

Take the time to figure out your boss’s body language. If you notice that after 10 minutes of conversation she begins to look around the room, begin to wrap things up. Her body language is clearly indicating that she is ready to move on to another task.

Morning or Afternoon?

Have you noticed that your boss is much more pleasant to deal with in the afternoons. She may be a night owl and you will have to adjust accordingly.  If this is the case, try not to schedule any morning meetings with her. This may also mean that should come in a little bit later in the morning and stay later, since it’s important to be available to your boss when she needs you.

After you have taken the time to figure out how the pieces of your boss’s puzzle fit together you may sadly find that your boss has a working style that is not at all compatible with yours. If you find that there is no way you can adjust your work style to make things work, then it is time to move on. But before you do, make sure you take the time to figure out which parts didn’t fit, so you know what to look for in the future. As with any game, practice makes perfect.