Your boss sits on the leather swivel chair and calls the shots. But is he/she really that terrible monster breathing down your neck to finish that project, denying you that holiday which you had planned for weeks or keeping you away from family and friends? Well, not always. There are bosses who can be extremely helpful, guiding your career, motivating you and helping you out. And certainly giving you that raise! Handling your boss is not like caging a monster. Just try the following:
Study your boss Find out what type of a boss he/she is. Is your boss the criticizing and belligerent type? Or is your boss sincerely trying to help everybody in the office to perform their best? Try to understand what makes your boss behave in a certain way.
Smile But whatever type your boss might be, just greet her/him with a smile, and you'll see the change. All bosses are not ogres. Maybe it's only your perception. So smile!
Your boss is your buddy Treat your boss like a friend in the workplace, and not like someone who is stealing your share of the salary. Of course, not many bosses might take to the over-friendly nature of yours. Strike a balance. Like you would with a friend, if you have any problems at the workplace, approach your boss and discuss your woes frankly. Striking the right chord with your boss will go a long way to happy days in the office.
"Yes boss" The boss is always right, like the proverbial customer. Often you may think that the boss has made a wrong decision. But remember you might not be privy to the company's motives and other inside information. If you still think that he/she is wrong, suggest so mildly. And if your boss sticks to the guns, say 'yes boss'. Remember your raise, promotion and career development is in her/his hands.
Your boss is busy Unlike you, perhaps, your boss might be juggling several things at a time. That's why he/she is up there. When you are asked to wait, maybe for several hours altogether-be patient and spare a thought for your harried boss. And if you want to present something, make it absolutely brief and to the point. It saves both time on both sides.
Your boss is bossing Sure, that is his/her job! Somebody has to captain the ship! When your boss criticizes your work, don't react emotionally, but take it as a suggestion to better your performance. Remember it's not a personal attack. And if you are blamed for any screw-up, admit it, don't counter-attack or justify it. You don't want to be pushed out into the sea of the unemployed, do you?
Respect your boss It is very important that you respect your boss, because without that, you wouldn't be able to do any of the above, which happens to be vital to maintain your position. Sure, your boss might the CEO's cousin, but as long as he/she is there you have to have that respect. Respect for your boss in turn might help with his or her own self-respect. And every boss would appreciate that.
So the next time you meet your boss, grin and remember the above. You never know, one day you may be sitting on that leather swivel chair calling the shots. And then you might be able to understand why your boss was not quite as good-humored as you might have wanted her/him to be!
