While we may hate to admit it, our manager plays a large role in the success or failure of our career. While we may all dream of the perfect manager, the existence of a perfect manager is more the exception than the norm. It is important that we take a look at one of the most important relationships in our career, the relationship we have with our manager.

Have you ever heard of the term “managing up”? This term is used to describe a working relationship with your manager that can create a win–win scenario if handled properly. This does not mean that you switch roles with your manager and take over the office. This means changing your mindset so that you can get the raises and promotions that you seek because the office is working at full productivity levels.

The first step to ensure a successful career is to get to know your manager. Sometimes this is easier said than done since not all managers are open and forthcoming in how they deal with their staff. You may need to look for creative ways to find out what are some of your manager’s likes and dislikes. Determine your manager’s important work habits. For example, you may find that your manager is more receptive and talkative in the morning. You may decide that is the best time to approach them with a new idea.

Getting to know your boss is not just limited to their habits. Find out what your manager is responsible for within the company. This will help you to understand what your manager has on their plate. Another important piece of information is their vision and goals for the department. This will also give you a better understanding of your job scope as well.

The relationship between you and your manager is that of a team. You will find that you will need to rely on each other to be successful. To your manager, you are an invaluable member of the team. In order to live up to your end, make sure that you always put your best foot forward and strive to perform excellent work. Your work may be the catalyst that helps your manager get the promotion that they are striving for. For you, impressing management is the catalyst to get promotions and raises in your career.

By managing up and working with, instead of against your boss, you will find that you are leveraged for a more successful career path. This is not to say that all managers can be “managed” with ease, but this is definitely a step in the right direction. Next time we will discuss how to work with the “bad boss”. Until then, see you in the forums!