Play to Your Strengths

   Keep Your Boss Happy

Your boss is important. You worry when your boss is in a bad mood or disapproves of a decision you've made. This makes sense because your boss is the one person, besides yourself, who can make or break your career.

Your boss can open doors for you, say nice things about you, provide new opportunities - and cut your pay.

If you don't get along with your boss, you end up with no raises, no praises, and many sleepless nights. In every corner around the globe, people just like you are thinking, scheming, and down right fretting about their bosses.

The Gallop poll says, "Seventy-five percent of people who quit their job, quit their manager!"

After studying 60,000 exit interviews, the Saratoga Institute reports 80% of turnover is related to an unsatisfactory relationship with the boss.

Research by Capelle Associates, Inc. reveals that 50% of employees feel the relationship with their boss is sub-optimal.

In her book, "My Boss is Driving Me Crazy," Cheryl Mader Hagen says, "Four out of five people don't want to go to work in the morning. And the main reason sited is - their boss!"

Wow! Getting along with your boss is a BIG DEAL. And let's face it. If you're really frustrated with your boss, aren't your wife, husband, or best friend tired of hearing you complain?

When you think about your boss, you probably say, "Sure he's a good person, but things would be a lot better if only he'd listen more - care about this - relax a little - be around more - be around less - stop telling me what to do - simply tell me what to do - stop letting people get by with murder - give me some slack - have an opinion, etc." You get my drift.

To make matters worse, we all have a fantasy boss in our heads. This is the boss we wish we had. This boss is "smart, accessible, encouraging, interested, empowering, respectful, fair, and always looking out for our best interests." These are the bosses who work in fish markets and run ice cream stores in coastal areas.

To get started on the right foot, you must first get rid of these misguided notions:

"My boss has got to change!" This is wishful thinking. The truth is, he is probably not going to change. So deal with it.

"I'll try . . . if she tries." You're not exactly on equal footing here. And you might wait forever! Then where will your career be?

"Someday he'll regret this decision." And you probably won't be around to enjoy the moment. A more likely story is he'll remember you as a pain in the neck.

"I deserve to be treated better." It's nice to be treated well. But 'I deserve it' gets you nothing but feeling sorry for yourself.

Next, you must know what your boss really wants. This is easy. ALL bosses want the same thing. Let me spell it out. Basically your boss:

o Doesn't want any hassles.
o Wants the work done well.
o Wants to be a good leader.
o Wants you to be happy and successful.
o Wants credit for the above.

You and your boss are joined at the hip. When you succeed, your boss succeeds!

Now to get started, here are some easy ways to strengthen the relationship with your boss:

1. Express appreciation. Start noticing what your boss does well. Comment on what you like. The goal here isn't to 'brown nose' - but rather to inform your boss about what works.

2. Invite dialogue about differences. When you disagree, simply say: "We have a difference of opinion about this. Is your mind made up - or are you open to my ideas and other options?"

3. Watch his backside. Every boss has an Achilles heel. Offer suggestions: "If you'd like, I can help you plan the agenda for our upcoming meeting. Would this be helpful?"

4. Clarify expectations. Discover what your boss wants. Simply ask more questions. Say: "Let me make sure I understand what you want." and "How do you want to be involved in decisions on this project?"

5. Ask for feedback. Your boss may hesitate to give you unsolicited feedback. To learn his/her views, say: "I'd like your suggestions about how to lead this project better. I value your perspectives and suggestions."

6. Show respect. Respect the position even if you don't respect the person. Never speak badly about your boss. Support your boss in public and private. If you disagree, do so in private.

Finally, to make sure you're on track, share these ideas with your boss and ask, "What's important to you on this list?" Get started today toimprove job security, reduce work stress, and enjoy your time at the office.

Tune in next month for more valuable tips on managing this vital relationship with your boss!

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I welcome your ideas. Please email me at faith@faithralston.com and share strategies you are using to work effectively with your boss.
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NEWS AND EVENTS

On October 10th, I'm speaking about "How to Implement with Ease by Leveraging the Four Talents Types" at the annual ASQC - Quality Convention in Minneapolis! Join us for this event.

Invite Faith to speak at your next conference or leadership retreat.

My new book on Talentsis in progress and will be available in 2006! Watch for it.

If you have suggestions or ideas, please emailme at faith@faithralston.com and I'll publish in thenext newsletter.

Enjoy this changing, amazing season!

Faith

President, Leaps of Faith, Inc. and Creator of Play toYour Strengths Talent System