Managing Up to Benefit Your Career
Starting a new job is always exciting but also very
challenging. I have recently started a new role with a very successful company
and am excited to start a meaningful career. As an Admin Assistant, my ability
to work well with others can mean the difference in whether my career advances
or becomes stagnant.
With a new role comes new challenges and the first challenge
has been a big one. In my last role, my relationship with my boss was strong as
we both had similar work styles and communicated effectively. I wish this was
the case with my new boss, I am now learning that a lot of effort will need to
go into this relationship to ensure that we are harmonious and productive.
My first task has been to learn and identify his role within
the organization. Based on some advice I found in the below links here is the
outline one can take to learning about their boss`s role:
Who reports to
your boss –
this will give you a better sense of how much time they can give you and how
independent you should be.
What are their
goals –
these soon become your goals as you take on tasks to help accomplish them
Who do they report
to – it is
important to know who these people are so that you can identify how important
these reports are and understand the pressures your boss may be experiencing.
Their experience – knowing their past will help
outline their strengths and weaknesses which will allow you to better assist
them and become a productive duo.
Communication
is key in the beginning of a new dynamic. Discussions of communication preferences
can be awkward at first but are vital in the long term success of your
relationship. It is also a good opportunity for you to take the time to identify
what your preferences are and which avenues you are good at. Does your boss
want to be aware of all routine office matters, or do they want to be consulted
if issues arise?
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| Russel Matters |
This is my next obstacle to overcome with my boss in that we
have yet to have time to sit down and discuss our communication styles. I know
that I take more of a direct approach than my boss in that I like clear defined
goals and assigned tasks. I would prefer an email about what our goals are and
who is accountable for each task. My boss tends to enjoy talking about the
goals but lacks the delegation of them.
Understand your
manager’s management style and learn to work with them – Deadlines can provide insight
into your boss’s management style. Your manager may not value time management
the same way you do in that they could be more of a last minute type of person.
If there is a deadline approaching, you could be feeling the pressure whereas
your boss may not feel the need to address the report until the day before. It
is important to anticipate and plan for how your boss will deal with deadlines.
This will allow you to work with them and feel less pressure when last minute
changes are made because you planned and adapted to their style.
As my
relationship with my boss evolves I need to keep in mind that his productivity
and success directly relate to mine. If he isn’t producing reports and meeting
deadlines then that affects me and my work. I need to learn as much as I can
about him to ensure that I provide the right assistance so that we both can be
successful. My determination and drive to succeed will continue to fuel the
need to understand my boss as I want my role to develop into an extremely
rewarding career.
Sources:
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