Managing Your Boss with Ease

Of course here we are are talking about a boss that is not easy to manage, like micro-managing, bossy, very demanding or frequent change in temper. 

There are several practical steps that you can take to Manage Your Boss with Ease as follows:

1. Look for Patterns - watch for behaviour swings, like Mondays or month-end or quarter-end when the boss is under tremendous pressure to perform.  Be prepared and don't do things that will add pressure, like applying for leave or asking for day off. 
2. Pre-empt Needs. Once you know what triggers them, it's good to be pre-emptive by flagging potential problems before they escalate and offer solutions. The simplest way you can be pre-emptive is to ask the question: "What are the one or two things that I can do to make your work life better?"
3. Show Empathy. Your boss is under pressure to produce and if you understand this plight that he is facing, you will be more understanding and there will no issue of how to manage your boss!
4. Be Assertive but Not Aggressive. You should speak out, but in a gentle manner without causing your boss to lose face. Be firm and let him know what you want, and if he is unwilling to give way, don't force. Just let him know that you may bring this up again in future. 
5. Deliver. This must be the most obvious way to manage your boss. Deliver as per your promise and most importantly, be an high value employee.  This is the most direct and fastest way to manage your boss well. Results speak louder than words. 

Remember, your boss is still the boss and never argue with him or tell him that he is wrong. Just share with him your opinion. Persist, but don't insist. Your boss is also human, treat him well and he will also treat you well. 

By Andy Ng of Asia Trainers, who conducts over 15 public short courses in a month on topics including management, sales, leadership and financial intelligence.  The longest running program we have must be How to Be a Better Manager, details are at here.