Managing The Boss

Managing your boss is an area of management ripe for conflict. This is a multidimensional issue so I’ll focus on managing your boss as it relates to setting priorities. And I'm going to assume that the boss isn't pushing off his work on the staff but is equally as overwhelmed.

How often do you find yourself working in “fire drill” mode because everything seems to be a priority? Unfortunately the management style of many executives is to delegate work in a reactive way without thought to communicating priorities. The boss may not even think of developing priorities for his own work responsibilities.

The lack of guidance regarding priorities may seem to communicate that the task "of the moment" is top priority. Unfortunately as team members jump from fire to fire everyone finds themselves in the middle of lots of projects. Having work partially complete with limited opportunity to wrap things up ... without working crazy hours, wears everyone down. The good news is the boss is not doing this on purpose and is quite often unconscious of the issues and turmoil his style creates.

What can you do? Though it may be difficult to approach the boss having a conversation about priorities is only path to change. Let your boss know that you want to respond to the requests in a way that supports him most effectively and that you aren't always able to figure that out on your own. Have a list of all your tasks and projects and ask for guidance around priorities and deadlines. Don't be afraid to negotiate when you can reasonable get something completed. Also if there is anything someone else can help you with ask your boss for support getting extra resources for special projects.

Please don’t expect miraculous things from the initial conversation. Remember change takes time so stick with it. Raise questions in the moment. When you are engaged in a project and your boss approaches you with something new ask which is a priority.

Tying your requests back to supporting your boss will help build a more trusting relationship and can help your boss shift his management style.