Clearly, knowing how to work with powerful people is a critical work skill. Just as you manage your time and your other resources, you also need to know how to “manage” your boss and other powerful people in your life.
This is where you as the subordinate shoulder much of the responsibility. You have to actively build the relationship - or else it has the potential to run right over you. Your boss’ motives may or may not be aligned with what you want to get out of your career. When you’re blessed with a naturally supportive and motivating boss, then building this relationship is not so much an effort as it is a joy. On the other hand, when you encounter a difficult boss (and you eventually will!) you need to develop some key skills for mitigating the negative effects and turning the relationship around.
Effective management of powerful people centers on you and your ability to be an effective subordinate. When you shift the burden of responsibility onto yourself, then you gain the sense of control you need to make the relationship work. This starts with recognizing that although you are subordinate, you can, and must, take action.
To start proactively managing the relationships you have with powerful people, consider the following techniques and strategies.
5 Strategies for Working With Powerful People
1. Accept that your boss is your boss
The first step in managing the relationship is to accept it. Failing to accept this is a problem that many ambitious people have, particularly if the boss is younger or comes from a traditionally disadvantaged group.
Your boss has the power and authority to direct your work. This is what you agreed to when you accepted your job, and it's why you get your paycheck.
Regardless of who the person in power is, you have to deal with him or her and make the best of the situation, so you need to get over any problems you have. So leave your ego and “attitude” at the door – even if you think you should have been the boss, you’re not!
2. Allow your boss to make mistakes.
People with power are not perfect, but neither are you. When you expect too much from your boss, he or she can only disappoint you. Keep things in perspective!
3. Understand your boss’s management style
There are many different, natural styles of management. Some are better than others in certain situations and for certain people. The problem is figuring out what works best when, and for whom. Recognize that your boss is struggling with that exact issue.
Adapt your needs and reactions to your boss’s style and understand your own preferred style as both a subordinate and in managing the relationship with your boss. Here are some prompts that will get you thinking about your boss’s preferred way of working with others:
This is where you as the subordinate shoulder much of the responsibility. You have to actively build the relationship - or else it has the potential to run right over you. Your boss’ motives may or may not be aligned with what you want to get out of your career. When you’re blessed with a naturally supportive and motivating boss, then building this relationship is not so much an effort as it is a joy. On the other hand, when you encounter a difficult boss (and you eventually will!) you need to develop some key skills for mitigating the negative effects and turning the relationship around.
Effective management of powerful people centers on you and your ability to be an effective subordinate. When you shift the burden of responsibility onto yourself, then you gain the sense of control you need to make the relationship work. This starts with recognizing that although you are subordinate, you can, and must, take action.
To start proactively managing the relationships you have with powerful people, consider the following techniques and strategies.
5 Strategies for Working With Powerful People
1. Accept that your boss is your boss
The first step in managing the relationship is to accept it. Failing to accept this is a problem that many ambitious people have, particularly if the boss is younger or comes from a traditionally disadvantaged group.
Your boss has the power and authority to direct your work. This is what you agreed to when you accepted your job, and it's why you get your paycheck.
Regardless of who the person in power is, you have to deal with him or her and make the best of the situation, so you need to get over any problems you have. So leave your ego and “attitude” at the door – even if you think you should have been the boss, you’re not!
2. Allow your boss to make mistakes.
People with power are not perfect, but neither are you. When you expect too much from your boss, he or she can only disappoint you. Keep things in perspective!
3. Understand your boss’s management style
There are many different, natural styles of management. Some are better than others in certain situations and for certain people. The problem is figuring out what works best when, and for whom. Recognize that your boss is struggling with that exact issue.
Adapt your needs and reactions to your boss’s style and understand your own preferred style as both a subordinate and in managing the relationship with your boss. Here are some prompts that will get you thinking about your boss’s preferred way of working with others:
- How does your boss like to receive information? (Memos? Email? Spoken directly? Some other way?)
- How does your boss set out his or her expectations?
- What are your boss’ specific expectations of you in terms of productivity, results, dress, demeanor, etc…?
- What type of communicator is your boss?
- How does he/she handle bad news or unexpected events?
- How does he/she react to his or her own boss?
By knowing what type of management style your boss uses, and understanding the type of style you prefer, you can start to uncover any sources of disagreement and dysfunction and hopefully do something about them.
Another tip is to examine what it is your boss appreciates in his subordinates (how do the “chosen ones” act?) and then try to develop some of those attributes.
Another tip is to examine what it is your boss appreciates in his subordinates (how do the “chosen ones” act?) and then try to develop some of those attributes.
4. Make your Boss Look Good
Everyone responds to praise. When you perform in ways that make your boss look good, he or she will get praise from people higher up in the organization.
Everyone responds to praise. When you perform in ways that make your boss look good, he or she will get praise from people higher up in the organization.
- Solve problems effectively;
- If you’re asked to do something important that seems impossible, do your level best to think creatively;
- If you can’t solve a problem yourself, make sure you have a proposed solution when you go to your boss for help;
- Meet your deadlines, or if you’re going to miss them, make sure your boss knows well in advance and knows why you’re not able to meet them;
- Produce truly outstanding results;
The flip side of this is not to do anything that makes your boss look bad, and not to behave in such a way that he or she has to defend you. After all, if you do something your boss has to defend, other people in the organization will be wondering why he/she is not controlling what’s going on within his/her team.
5. Work Smart
Powerful people appreciate effectiveness and productivity. Learn to work in ways that are designed for optimum results.
Powerful people appreciate effectiveness and productivity. Learn to work in ways that are designed for optimum results.
- If you can avoid it, don't say “can’t” – powerful people are used to getting what they want so make sure you deliver, even if what you submit is a renegotiated deliverable.
- Respect their time – powerful people are in demand therefore you need to present your ideas quickly and succinctly;
- Learn to read between the lines – powerful people often don’t explain things fully – they expect you to “get” what they are saying. Find a source of information that will bring up to speed as needed;
- Deliver results – when you are given a directive, get it done;
- Work independently when appropriate;
Key Points
To have a successful career you need to deal effectively with powerful people. The most important powerful person in your career is your direct boss. With the right management, you can develop a great relationship with your boss and find the support and resources you need to reach your career goals. By managing the relationship, you recognize and appreciate your differing needs and then work to find ways to adapt. Start today to find ways of communicating with your boss, and begin to experience more work satisfaction and better results.
To have a successful career you need to deal effectively with powerful people. The most important powerful person in your career is your direct boss. With the right management, you can develop a great relationship with your boss and find the support and resources you need to reach your career goals. By managing the relationship, you recognize and appreciate your differing needs and then work to find ways to adapt. Start today to find ways of communicating with your boss, and begin to experience more work satisfaction and better results.
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