Art Sponseller, JD, PCC, Senior Executive Coach, www.artsponseller.com
In my coaching studio, one topic that frequently surfaces is the dynamic between you and your boss. Whether you’re navigating this relationship now or preparing for future roles, understanding how to manage up is crucial.
A seminal article from 2005 in the Harvard Business Review, “How to Manage Your Boss” by John J. Gabarro and John P. Kotter, has long inspired my coaching sessions. Here are some thought-provoking questions to help you reflect on and improve this vital relationship:
- What are your boss’s strengths, weaknesses, work styles, needs, and pressures? What are yours?
- What are your blind spots? What are your boss’s? Recognizing these can prevent misunderstandings.
- How effective are you as a subordinate? To improve, always confirm what you are told, clarify objectives, and only make promises you can keep.
- What are your expectations? Have you clearly communicated your expectations and needs to your boss?
- How can you tailor your communication style to suit your boss’s preferences? Is your boss a reader? Send a memo in advance describing the issues and making recommendations. Is your boss a listener? Be prepared to deliver a concise statement of the issues and recommendations.
- Reflect on the best authority relationship you’ve had. What made it successful, and how can you replicate that now?
By asking these questions, you’re not just managing up; you’re fostering a partnership that could elevate both your performance and career trajectory. Let’s make your next interaction with your boss a step towards that success.
