Relationship with Direct Superior
To be successful, one should learn to manage effective relationships both up and down the hierarchy. However, to manage the boss, one should clearly understand boss work style and attitudes and be able to develop a meaningful and mutually respectful relationship with direct superior.
The problems may arise, as subordinates usually misinterpret boss’s behavior. Thus, for instance, when boss gives critical feedback, subordinate usually percepts it negatively viewing boss as harsh and unkind. However, boss may give such feedback, as he is interested in subordinate’s professional development. To develop cooperative and respectful relationship, subordinate should understand the boss type, which may be the Natural, the Politician, the Wimp, the Workaholic, or the Micromanager, and adjust personal behavior and work subordinate style accordingly. When the boss does not like employees to hide problems, he may be the political or micromanager. Given the scenario in case, the appropriate tactic to resolve the issue would be “help your boss be a good a boss”, “to be a resource” for your boss, and “see your boss realistically”. Help boss be a good boss means that subordinate asks of the pieces of advice and assistance and confronts the boss opinion, when necessary. To resolve the issue successfully, subordinate should tell about the problem, ask for assistance, and come up with personal solution. When subordinate tells about the problem and propose solutions, he demonstrates good problem – solving skills and at the same time, become a resource for the boss. Instead, by hiding problems, subordinate may lose credit given by boss.
Developing appropriate subordinate style is also critical to success. Given the case scenario, the appropriate style may be “alienated”, which means that subordinate is independent critical thinker, however, remains passive in organization. Thus, subordinate tells about all issues to boss and offer personal solutions; however, final decisions and actions are taken by boss.
References
Daft, R., & Marcic, D. (2014). Building management skills. Mason, Ohio: South-Western Cengage …
