Managing Your Boss: Tactics for Effective Communication

In a recent workplace study, the top complaints employees had about their bosses were: 1) not listening to me 2) taking credit for my work 3) focusing on short-term projects instead of long-term goals. If you’re looking for ways to manage your boss and have an effective relationship with them, then this post is for you! We’ll go over five techniques that will help keep you connected and working in sync with your boss.

Establish rules of communication.

It’s crucial to establish a clear line of communication with your boss right from the start. Let them know what methods of communication you’re most comfortable using (email, chat, in-person, etc.), find out what theirs is, and establish the method that works for you both. Doing this will help ensure that all information is communicated effectively and efficiently.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Asking your boss to clarify instructions is an integral part of managing them. You can ensure that there won’t be any confusion down the line, and they’ll see how proactive you are about getting things done correctly!. Plus, asking questions shows a level of respect and trustworthiness towards your boss, making working with them easier.

Asking questions also shows your boss that you prioritize getting the job done right and will always fully understand the task at hand.

Pay attention to your boss’s body language.

In addition to listening, you also have to read your boss’s body language and facial expressions. Observing their posture and tone will help determine their feelings about a project or the day-to-day tasks at hand. Several different emotions can come from these things: for example, if your boss’ posture shifts, it could mean that they’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. If they’re tapping their foot, then they might be getting impatient. Pay close attention to slight changes in demeanor — your boss is likely polished and composed and may guard their emotions carefully.

Pro-tip: Pay close attention to how your boss acts with other people within your organization; this will give you insight into how they think and feel.

Reading your boss’s nonverbal cues will help you better understand them and adjust your behavior as needed.

Be proactive in communicating with your boss.

One of the best ways to manage your boss is by being proactive in your communication with them. Keeping them in the loop on any project updates, sending regular progress reports, and letting them know of any potential roadblocks or delays is the top priority when it comes to keeping the lines of communication open. By doing so, you’re showing that you’re reliable and organized — two essential qualities in maintaining an open rapport with them.

Pay close attention to their preferred style of management. Some bosses prefer more frequent updates, whereas others like summarized briefs at a specific time of the day. Determine their preference and stay consistent.

Be aware of your boss’s schedule.

Your boss is likely very busy and has a lot on their plate. When planning meetings or sending emails, try to be respectful of their time by being as concise as possible. And if there’s something urgent that needs discussing, try to schedule a time for an in-person meeting instead. Give them an outline of the issue in advance and as much detail as possible so that the meeting can be productive and solution orientated.

Keep work and personal life separate.

Last but not least — strike a balance between personal and work life. It’s essential to be authentic when you interact with colleagues and your boss; however, resist the urge to share too much of your personal life at work. Maintaining a focused demeanor will help your reputation of being upbeat and reliable.

By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to having a healthy and productive relationship with your boss!