How to support your boss
Your career prospects often rely on how effectively you interact with and support your boss or others farther up the organisational ladder. In front of every competent person there will eventually be a vacant chair; and your boss will have a major voice in determining who gets to sit in it. Often, your success will depend on your boss's success, so he or she will need your continuing support. Keep these suggestions in mind if you want to support your boss...
1. Get to know your boss.
Find out all you can about your boss - likes and dislikes, quirks, expectations, interests, and prejudices. By observing and by asking others, get to know how your boss likes things done. Learn your boss's style of writing, for example. Is a succinct proposal on one sheet of paper preferred, or a detailed argument? Find out what's really important to him or her and make sure that's what you deliver. Or, as James Cribbin suggests, 'Study them to understand what catches their minds, stimulates their souls, and turns their stomachs.'
2. Keep your boss informed.
Keep your boss up to date on all matters you are responsible for, as well as other items that you find are needed. In other words, always anticipate your boss's information needs and questions. Press clippings and media releases can provide valuable data. Be sure to include a 'with compliments' slip with your signed, personal, but business-like message. Never let your boss hear good or bad news from others when it's your job to provide it.
3. Find out when and where your boss is most approachable.
If your boss is an early starter, morning may be the best time to meet for discussions. If your boss takes some time to warm up, the end of the day might be a better time. Learn to read changes of mood. The boss's personal assistant is often a valuable ally: timing can be vital.
And is it best to tackle your boss in the office, or over lunch, after work, or even at home?
