How to Manage Up: Effectively Working With Difficult Supervisors
Having a difficult supervisor can be a daunting challenge for any employee. It can often feel like you are walking on eggshells and constantly trying to navigate the best way to manage up. But what exactly does that mean? Managing up refers to the skill of building a positive and effective working relationship with your supervisor, even when they may be difficult to work with. It may seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies, you can learn to effectively manage up and have a more productive and harmonious working dynamic with even the most challenging of bosses.
Understand Your Supervisor’s Communication Style
One of the first steps to managing up is to understand your supervisor’s communication style. Every individual has a unique way of communicating, and it is essential to identify your supervisor’s preferred method. Are they direct and to the point, or do they prefer to have more in-depth conversations? Do they prefer email or face-to-face communication? By taking the time to observe and understand their communication style, you can tailor your approach to effectively communicate with them.
Take the Initiative
Difficult supervisors are often overwhelmed, which can result in a lack of guidance and support for their team. To effectively manage up, you can take the initiative and alleviate some of their stress. Be proactive in identifying tasks or projects that need to be done and take the initiative to execute them. Not only will this show your supervisor that you are committed and capable, but it will also lighten their workload and create a positive working relationship.
Communicate Your Expectations
Often, we expect our supervisors to know what we want or need without explicitly communicating it. However, this can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. To avoid this, it is crucial to communicate your expectations clearly. If you need more direction or feedback, let your supervisor know. If you have a preferred method of communication, be sure to express that. When expectations are clear, it can create a more harmonious working dynamic.
Focus on Solutions
Difficult supervisors may be quick to point out problems, but not necessarily offer solutions. Instead of getting caught up in the negativity, choose to focus on finding solutions. When addressing an issue, try to come up with potential solutions beforehand and present them to your supervisor. This shows that you are a problem-solver and are committed to finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
Be Professional and Respectful
No matter how challenging a supervisor may be, it is essential to maintain a level of professionalism and respect. Avoid gossiping or venting about your supervisor to your colleagues. Instead, address any issues or concerns directly and respectfully with your supervisor. By maintaining a professional and respectful attitude, you will be seen as a reliable and trustworthy employee.
Don’t Take it Personally
It can be easy to take a difficult supervisor’s behavior personally, but it’s essential to remember that it is most likely not a personal attack. Stress, workload, and other factors can play a significant role in someone’s behavior. Instead of internalizing their actions, try to view it objectively and focus on finding a solution to improve the situation.
Seek Guidance from Others
If you are struggling to manage up, seek guidance from others on your team or in your network. Talk to peers who may have experience working with difficult supervisors and see what strategies have worked for them. You can also seek guidance from your human resources department for additional support and advice.
Conclusion
Working with a difficult supervisor can be a challenging and stressful experience, but with the right strategies, it is possible to manage up effectively. By understanding your supervisor’s communication style, taking the initiative, communicating your expectations, focusing on solutions, maintaining professionalism, not taking it personally, and seeking guidance, you can build a positive and productive working relationship with even the most challenging of supervisors.
