I know how to manage My Boss

I thought I would write about Boss Management when I retire but couldn't resist this for long; this is a daily reality. After all, the boss is the key to:

1. Your hiring (irrespective of HR and other people interviewing U for formality)
2. You staying (day to day sense of belonging, happiness or the lack of it, work-life balance)
3. You leaving (sometimes)
4. Your pay (underpaid or overpaid)

But still, many of us lack the skill of Boss Management, you know why? I have no clue either, as it has been my chronic weakness too. So if I clicked with some of my bosses, it must have been incidental, or our relationship was inevitable in mutual interest.

This brings me back to school/college days, during which time some of my classmates seemed to have better chemistry with our teachers than the rest of us. As a result, they (the privileged classmates) displayed superior knowledge of the relevant subjects by reading up on topics the day before, always asking appropriate questions to the teacher about the topics, and never failing to draw positive attention to themselves! In return, the teachers too favoured these curious bunch!

Managing upward is clearly a skill that exists at all stages of life. For example, during childhood, while some of us were happily playing and busy studying, a select few picked up the knowledge of power centres early on to draw more attention and subsequently earn rewards.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said for many at the workplace, including star performers, on having this essential skill. Many good talents who are positively aggressive in their work delivery is oblivious of the power contained within effective upward management. Yours truly was no exception. From college days to work, we kept wishing that we'd get better at it at some point!

So what is boss management? I view "boss management" as "a relationship process with your superior which you need to consciously and?continuously work on to create the best possible experiences of yourself to your boss".

The question is, how do you manage upward at the workplace without lowering your self-esteem?

• Being in touch: Most often, when the boss appears busy, we tend to keep away from them to provide a respectable space. (As you do most of the work, they should be free?). On the contrary, you should try catching up on something familiar i.e. about a client or some internal happening. The key is to strike a balance between "touch-and-go" and "being a pest"!?
• Making it personal: it's always good to know your boss's interests/hobbies, i.e. favourite movies and sports; the kind of books they like to read; favourite things to shop; etc. Having some knowledge of the kids, spouse and friends will also help build meaningful conversations.?
• Timing is everything: If you know your boss's birthday, then try wishing them; show appreciation by sending across genuine congratulatory wishes if their team did well in performance or a project; if the boss has just recently bought a new set of wheels; a lovely dress; have lost weight; or anything else which you might like others to compliment you on, then do the very same to them!
• ?YOU being YOU: If you have done all of the above, then it's only fitting for your efforts to be reciprocated. Highlight yourself too; let your boss be privy to personal details of your life and anything unique about you which they will remember you for. These include key milestones in your life, both professional and personal. The idea is never to stop creating positive memories of you which are easily remembered.

You must be wondering, isn't it a world of employees, shouldn't the boss do all the things mentioned above to keep their team engaged? Yes, absolutely, but is that something you can influence? So try doing what is in your control or easily doable for your wellness.

I think it's about time organisations introduce a module on "Managing Up" in the New Employee Induction Program. Sounds creepy??No, I mean it. It is often said that people leave their managers, so why shouldn't we train our employees on upward management for better harmony at work, increased productivity and raised retention rates? not to forget the huge impact happy bosses have on all of us :)

The key is to keep in mind that bosses crave attention and appreciation similar to you and me. So go on and secure that edge you deserve by respectably filling in the gaps in your boss's "lonely life at the top".

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