ABT 117 CL Kathryn

Chapter 10Getting Along With Your Manager or Team Leader

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognizing the impact your manager has on your future

2. Selecting several tactics for creating a favourable impression on your present or future manager

3. Selecting several tactics for dealing with your manager in a constructive manner

4. Preparing to deal effectively with a manager whom you perceive as being intolerable

Developing a favourable relationship with your manager or team leader is the most basic strategy of getting ahead in your career.

Your manager or team leader influences your future because he or she is often asked by other prospective superiors to present an opinion about your capabilities.

A general strategy for developing a good relationship with your manager or team leader is to create a favourable impression. Several tactics of this type include:

1. Achieve good job performance2. Display a strong work ethic3. Demonstrate good emotional intelligence4. Be dependable, honest, and ethical5. Appreciate your manager’s strengths 6. Show an interest in your firm’s products or services7. Be a good organizational citizen8. Create a strong presence

Many tactics for developing a good relationship with your manager or team leader require that you deal directly with him or her:

1. Try to understand your manager2. Find out what your manager expects of you3. Bring forth solutions as well as problems4. Minimize complaints5. Avoid bypassing your manager6. Suggest improvements during the performance evaluation7. Resolve competing demands of two managers8. Use discretion in socializing with your manager9. Engage in favourable interactions with your manager

ABT 117 CL Kathryn

Coping with a manager you perceive to be a problem is part of getting along with him or her. Reevaluate your manager to make sure you have not misperceived

him or her.

It is important to confront your manager about your problem.

Often the problem is a case of being micromanaged.

Micromanagement is a management style where a manager closely observes or controls the work of their employees. In contrast to giving general instructions on smaller tasks while supervising larger concerns, the micromanager monitors and assesses every step

Learning from your problem manager’s mistakes is recommended, including if he or she is fired,

When your manager takes credit for your accomplishments, consider these tactics: Discretely confront your manager Take preventive measures by keeping others informed of work in

progress Present a valid reason for seeking recognition

Working with a disorganized manager can lead to tension and a personality clash

Under these circumstances, tactfully explain how your manager’s work habits create problems in attaining work goals

Rely on others to help you attain the information you need to accomplish work for your manager

Recognize your manager’s biggest problems in organization and offer direct assistance

When your relationship with your manager does not improve, it may be necessary to seek a transfer The best method is to market yourself to other key managers in the

company This may involve establishing a network of contacts Speak to your manager about a transfer with out indicating your

dissatisfaction, and present your case to the human resources department

Questions

1. Which of the tactics described in this chapter would you most likely to use? Which would you least likely use?

ABT 117 CL Kathryn

2. Is this chapter simply about “kissing up to the boss”?

3. Why is “creating a strong presence” considered a key strategy for getting ahead in the work place?