Problem
Waiting for your boss to provide all the direction can leave you unsupported.
Action
Treat managing your relationship with your boss as part of your job.
Outcome
You gain more influence over your work environment.
Chapter: Refuse to Be Undermanaged
Problem
Poor self-management makes it harder to succeed at work.
Action
Control your priorities, time, and commitments every day.
Outcome
Your performance becomes more reliable.
Chapter: The First Person You Have to Manage Every Day Is Yourself
Problem
Lack of communication creates misunderstandings and surprises.
Action
Provide frequent updates about your work and progress.
Outcome
Your boss stays aligned with your efforts.
Chapter: Get in the Habit of Managing Your Bosses Every Day
Problem
Different bosses respond differently to the same behavior.
Action
Adjust your communication to fit each boss’s preferences.
Outcome
Your working relationship becomes more effective.
Chapter: Take It One Boss at a Time, One Day at a Time
Problem
Unclear expectations lead to wasted effort and rework.
Action
Confirm goals, priorities, deadlines, and desired results.
Outcome
Your work is more likely to meet expectations.
Chapter: Make Sure You Understand What Is Expected of You
Problem
Missing resources can slow down or weaken your work.
Action
Identify resource needs early and ask for support.
Outcome
You can execute your work more effectively.
Chapter: Assess and Plan for the Resources You Need
Problem
Performance problems are harder to fix when discovered late.
Action
Measure progress and results throughout each assignment.
Outcome
You can correct issues before they grow.
Chapter: Track Your Own Performance Every Step of the Way
Problem
Doing only the minimum limits recognition and opportunity.
Action
Improve the quality, speed, and quantity of your work.
Outcome
You become more valuable to the organization.
Chapter: Earn More Rewards by Doing More Work, Faster and Better
Problem
Emotional reactions often make difficult situations worse.
Action
Focus on facts and maintain professional communication.
Outcome
You reduce the negative impact of the relationship.
Chapter: What If Your Boss Really Is a Jerk?
Problem
Delaying action delays improvement.
Action
Use these management practices in your next interaction with your boss.
Outcome
You improve your working relationship sooner.
Chapter: Start Here