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Executive Coach Shares Tips for Managing Your Boss (345
words)
October, 2006
"Doing great work may not be enough to get on your boss's good
side." This advice was shared by Marsha Egan, certified
professional coach, on her quarterly Career Builder Tele --
Roundtable on "Managing up."
"Many people confuse focusing on the task with the need to build
a mutually trustful, synergistic relationship with their bosses.
Unfortunately, many employees expect their managers or
supervisors to notice all of their accomplishments, and actively
promote the employee's career." Egan challenged the participants
in the roundtable to take responsibility for their own careers,
and to not assume that their managers are actively involved in
their career development.
"One of the best things an employee can do is to have a positive
and supporting attitude toward their management. When the boss
knows that the employee has not only the employee's interest at
heart, but the team's and the manager's, synergy can be built.
This is not to say that the employee should be a "yes -- person,
"because managers and supervisors value independent thinking and
differing viewpoints." Egan pointed out that when the employee
and his or her manager have a relationship that is a mutually
respectful partnership, good things happen for each of them.
"By taking charge of your career, and your relationship with
your manager, you will take proactive steps to build the trust
that is needed for both of you to take your organization
forward. I t becomes a win -- win."
"But I don't want to appear as though I am flattering my boss,
or bragging," expressed one of the participants in this
quarterly roundtable, "how do I manage that?" Egan responded
that providing sincere support, and timely information, in a
friendly way should never be considered flattery or tooting your
horn. "If you don't market yourself, who will?"
"Taking responsibility for your relationship with your manager,
instead of expecting him or her to do it, is one key aspect of
taking responsibility for your career, and ultimately, your
success. Just remember, bosses are people too - they appreciate
working with people they know and trust."
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