Title - 10 ways to win your boss's respect
Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Establish clear expectations
2. Present solutions, not problems
3. Be dependable
4. Keep your boss up to date
5. Do not humiliate your boss in the presence of others
6. Make your boss look good
7. Embrace the differences
8. Be flexible
9. Deliver what you promise
10. Meeting datelines
On Establish clear expectations
- Be clear about what your supervisor expects from you
- Clarify all doubts and do not make assumptions
- Unmet expectations can be very frustrating for both parties and you may be perceived as being incompetent
On Present solutions, not problems
- Most managers do not like to hear only about problems. When you present a problem, be sure to offer some possible solutions as well, then discuss them with him.
- He may offer his own solutions or build on your suggestions - either way, you solve a problem and your manager think you have initiative.
On Be dependable
- Your co-workers may keep you at an arm's length if you curry favour the boss and it will hamper your delivery of job assignments.
- Win the favour or approval of your manager with credibility, hard work and dependability.
On Keep your boss up to date
- Don't keep your manager in the dark. Update him on every important milestone in a project you are handling, as well as any potential problems and possible solutions - unless he prefers to be kept posted only about the end results
On Do not humiliate your boss in the presence of others
- Most supervisors, especially Asians, are very concerned about "face". So, do not embarrass your manager by putting down his not-so-intelligent ideas.
- Offer your opinion as an alternative without suggesting that your view is more superior than his.
On Make your boss look good
- Even when the credit is yours, do not overlook the role your manager plays in the team, whether or not he has a direct influence on a good job done.
- Like it or not, you work as a team and he leads your team. Let him share the credit and honour with you. Not only will he be pleased, he will very likely give you due recognition if he feels secure and is not intimidated by capable subordinates.
On Embrace the differences
- Differences of opinion are inevitable and learn to see things from his perspective instead of insisting on your way.
- Present your views and arguments respectfully. You may not like his decision but let's face it, he is your manager and has the final say.
- If your views are constantly being sidelined, either he is very unreasonable, or your views are not up to mark. If the situation becomes intolerable to you, then a graceful exit may be the solution.
On Be flexible
- Drawing lines and refusing to take on other responsibilities unless he increases your salary may be within your rights, but it will not endear you to him.
On Deliver what your promise
- Making empty promises erodes your credibility. Do not promise unless you can deliver.
- If you are not entirely certain that you will be able to handle an assignment, make known to your manager your concerns but promise that you'll put in your utmost and do everything within your capacity to accomplish the task.
- If necessary, get permission from your manager to enlist the help of another co-worker to assist you in the assignment.
On Meeting deadlines
- A failure to meet datelines reflects your level of competency and poor time management.
- If you discover that meeting a project deadline may be an issue due to factors not within your control, inform your manager early instead of giving your manager an unpleasant surprise when D-day approaches.
- Seek his understanding in enlisting help from co-workers. Alternatively, request and extension of the deadline.
Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big
