I will randomly post gold nuggets of wisdom on practical career strategies. Most of them will be based on personal experience and several books I've read in the past. I appreciated these tips throughout my professional life and I'm certain you will too.
One of the greatest tips that I have remembered over the years is this: There are no bad bosses.
You can read the chapter in her book, Brazen Careerist, or look at the crib notes here.
The key is knowing how to manage up:
Figure out what matters most to your boss, and what motivates him, then align your own priorities accordingly.
Determine her communication preference - does she like email? Does he prefer in person, 1:1 conversations? If your boss prefers to communicate by email, don't walk into her office every hour trying to get her attention, or to have a "chat", especially if you know her day is planned at least 24 hours in advance. Save this moment for the really urgent stuff - and you will have to force yourself to prioritize what you need to discuss with your boss.
When explaining something, think of words as the bullet points in a Power Point presentation. Be concise and executive-level appropriate. Do not pull him into the weeds unless truly warranted, or if he does not request details. Your boss likely has only 30 seconds before he starts being distracted by other conflicting priorities. Tell him the bottom line within the first minute of your conversation, and be clear on what you are asking him to help you with. Most importantly, be ready to provide a recommendation or options to resolve the problem, or tell him what you're doing about it and at which point you will need his help.
Know your boundaries (and hers), be clear about it. For example, if you have to leave early on Wednesdays and Thursdays because you have to pick up your child from day care, then manage her expectations accordingly and propose that you work later during the other weekdays, or come in earlier on the days you have to leave early. If he wants to assign you another project but you are already working 50 hour weeks, then let him know. And ask him to prioritize his requirements for you so you can provide him with recommendations and options - see point #3 above. If her inappropriate jokes or comments make you feel uncomfortable, then for crying out loud don't laugh at them - keep your face neutral, as if she didn't even say it. Silence works wonders.
Be likeable, dependable, and not-so-needy. Bosses prefer those who are more independent and autonomous. Do not escalate for the sake of escalating, make sure you have done all you can at your level before you punt problems up.
Check your self-entitlement issues at the door. Unless you have proven yourself and have earned the trust and credibility of your organization and peers, nobody cares if you have an MBA.
So there you have it. I'm not saying that there are no bad bosses out there, lord knows I've had my share over the last few years. But if you are struggling with your boss, see if one or all of the above will help.
If all else fails, then maybe it's time you leave.
