Career Coach - Feel Confident Managing your Manager!

March 12th, 2011 by Dawn Moss

Feel confident with the Manager

Some advice for building a strong relationship with your manager, and taking charge of your career.

  • Managers are interested in employees who will help them accomplish the many goals and objectives that are often set for their teams. 
  • Self-starters, self-motivated, initiative takers, independent, results oriented individuals are often in demand. 
  • If your Manager had a hand in hiring you then you can be confident that he/she already thinks well of you. 
  • Now that you’re hired, it’s up to you. 
  • Performing well can reinforce the message that the decision to bring you on board was the right decision. 
  • Following are some tips that will help you build a great relationship with your Manager, while building your confidence in your ability to “manage up.”

Put yourself in your Managers shoes. 

  • From their perspective, what are the stresses, the pressures, the goals, the objectives, and the demands? 
  • Once you have a clear sense of this, you are then better able to make decisions, tailor your communications, and make contributions that will enable others to perceive you as an MVM - Most Valuable Member of the team!

Also, see your Manager as a person

  • Your manager is just like you - has worked his/her way up to the position they now have.  Therefore, they have lots of knowledge and experience to share with you. 
  • If they are willing, allow them to be your mentor.  Ask for feedback regularly, and get their input on your career goals. 
  • Encourage bonding by engaging in occasional banter about family, personal hobbies, etc.  Share your information, but inquire about his/her family, hobbies, etc. as well.

Be helpful - Be proactive

  • Since you have an understanding of what the demands are on your manager, try your best to contribute to them. 
  • What are some immediate accomplishments you can make to help further the team?
  • Where can you take the initiative to solve a problem or improve a process that wasn’t even on the radar screen?
  • Demonstrating a clear understanding of the strategic focus of the organisation will help others to perceive you as a leader and team player. 
  • You will gain the respect of your managers, and ensure your career is on the fast track.

Manage your performance review process

  • Record your accomplishments regularly and keep a record of your Personal Development Plan, and inquire about other ways you can contribute to overall team goals. 
  • Be assertive about your career plan and ask for projects that will stretch your current abilities. 
  • Be clear about the support you seek from your manager, and be equally clear about the deliverables you will produce.