I recently had dinner with a friend who is in the early stages of her career. She was discussing challenges with her boss, who unfortunately, lacks practical management skills, and no hint of leadership. Subsequently, work relationships are strained and counter-productive. My advice (especially in today’s economy): learn to manage and survive it, if only for the short-term.
Her concern was that she will “never work for a good manager again” and at her age, I hope that’s not true. However, it is likely that she will have both good and bad bosses in the future. A great company does not guarantee effective management at all levels, but to create a sustainable career, you have to develop survival skills:
- Effective working relationships are a two way street: Forge discussion on how you like to be managed and how your boss manages. If your styles are incompatible, find common ground and make a plan.
- Get clarity on job expectations and goals. Mutual goals can help maintain focus and reduce conflict. If you don’t have them, ask for them in writing. If don’t get them, then set your own (be realistic) and ask for input.
- Provide transparency to your work. Even with the best employees, progress reports are critical. To help both of you, submit routine updates, ask for help when needed (before the crisis), and offer solutions to avoid turning your boss into the crisis manager.
- Choose your battles. Tackle issues that are critical to job results and lead your discussion with facts; stay objective, state what you need and why, and provide solutions. It is also important to know the appropriate limits to pushing an issue.
- Apply your strengths to complement your boss’ weaknesses. This should be a subtle act; don’t announce or acknowledge it.
- Understand organizational constraints. Sometimes constraints start much higher in an organization. Look for these factors and figure out (together, ideally) how to influence the organization to get the help you need.
- Build a network. One of my best employees was very self-reliant and she built a valuable network. Across all levels of the company, people went the extra mile for her and she was highly effective.
- Understand communication styles. Determine what, when, where and how to optimally communicate, and ask about the state of the business. With regard to transparency, the more you know, the better everyone will handle the challenges.
- Create self-awareness. Before you take any action, acknowledge and own your contributing behavior. Apologize, when necessary, and avoid the mistake in the future.
- Re-take control. You can better manage the worst jobs and the worst days if you have something meaningful to offset your work and the solid support of family and friends to help you find perspective.
The cold truth is that some leaders are neither fair nor effective. However, odds are good that the boss who hired you is not who you will work for tomorrow. Things will change. In any economy, managing up and self-management are important factors in building a sustainable career.
With regard to whether or not my friend will ever work for another good boss, I say yes. I know that great managers and leaders still exist. In your next job, identify the critical leadership qualities and check for organizational consistency. The unfortunate consequence of poor leadership is that good employees leave. The unfortunate consequence to good employees is choosing a company that is not right for them.
