When you have a great working relationship with your boss, it makes both doing your job and rising within your organization much easier. However, when work style differences come into play, this can be interpreted as disrespect or even incompetence on your part.
First, you must assume that managing this relationship is 100% your responsibility, no exceptions. If your boss makes any effort at all to adapt to your style and preferences, consider yourself lucky. Second, be ready to adapt to her style preferences. This may require some major changes from the way you have worked with bosses in the past.
If you can’t answer these 5 questions with confidence, you may be (without even knowing it) damaging the relationship with your boss.
How does she prefer to communicate on day-to-day issues?
- In-person
- Telephone
- Text
How does he want to receive information updates from you?
- Written with plenty of detail
- One page with bullets
- Talking it through so he can ask questions
How often should you connect?
- Daily
- Weekly
- When there is a reason
How involved does he want to be in decision-making?
- You are authorized to make most decisions on your own.
- It is your decision but consult with him first. This boss does not like surprises.
- Most decisions are made together.
When you want additional resources (budget money, add headcount), how should you approach her and what should you provide?
- Give her a ‘heads up’ but details can come later.
- Put it in the next formal budget request.
- Give her a written request with a detailed explanation and she’ll see what she can do.
If you can’t answer these questions confidently, I strongly suggest that you schedule time with your boss to find out his or her preferences. Otherwise, you run the risk of your boss interpreting a style difference as disrespect or even incompetence.
About Bill Hawkins
Bill Hawkins leverages the latest research on leadership effectiveness to design and deliver high-impact practical leadership education workshops. He has worked with over 20 Fortune 500 companies in 17 countries, co-authored 5 books on leadership, and is listed in the Who’s Who of International Business.
To inquire about working with Bill, contact:
bill@hawkinsconsultinggroup.com
(760) 613-4085