Page 56 - Twenty Four Lessons for Mastering Your New Role

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Fear your boss

Impress your boss

J ust as you manage your employees, you need to manage the boss.
Your management career will take off if you can show higher-ups that
you’re a reliable, trustworthy star.
The very thought of trying to impress the boss may make you
cringe. The notion of currying favor with powerful people at your
organization may strike you as a fake, calculated attempt to get ahead.
There’s a right and wrong way to impress VIPs. If you exceed
expectations, anticipate and address a boss’s concerns, and consis-
tently look for ways to add value, you’ll shine. But if you show off,
badmouth colleagues, and hog credit for team accomplishments,
you’ll muddy your reputation and lose any chance of advancement.
Speak in can-do language. Bosses will heed your comments if you
sound like you’re organized, enthusiastic and eager to deliver
results. When they ask you a question, give a one-sentence overview
before you dive into the details. For example, start by saying, “We
have three options” or “Let’s examine this on three different levels.”
Look ahead when discussing the status of a project. Focus on
what will happen next rather than rehash what’s already occurred.
And never admit you’re in wait-and-see mode. It’s better to say,
“We’re going to make progress when we resume our meeting next
week” than “I’m waiting for a return call so we can schedule a meet-
ing next week.”
When the boss asks you to do something, respond with confi-
dence. Say, “I’ll have that for you by 8:00 tomorrow morning” rather
than “I’ll try to get that to you tomorrow morning.” Don’t leave your-

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