Managing the boss

Managing the boss is a great skill in business, because you need to manage your boss without him or her knowing they are being managed.  The style and the way in which you try to manage him will depend greatly on different factors, such as their personality, how they communicate and observe people, and the type of feedback they need.

Managing your boss is very different to managing subordinates.  After all, if you need your boss to do something you can hardly stand over his office desk until he does it as you might do with an office junior.
Adopt the same techniques as your manager and feedback to him or her in the same way they feedback to you.

Keep them informed to the level they require and try the following steps to keep them happy:

• Make it apparent that you are listening to him.  It is not enough to listen, he has to know you have listened and responded
• Strive for the best you can achieve and resolve as many issues as you can without his help
• Be your own strongest critic
• Make sure you are punctual – be in your office chair when he expects you to be

Following these tips will ensure you go far.