10 Ways to Make Your Boss Love You

Tips

I really liked the article. It's very accurate speaking from both a manager and a subordinate position.

I'll add one more. Know how much information to provide. Some managers want ALL the details. I prefer a very HIGH level of information and will ask more questions if I think I'm going to be questioned about it later.

Ten minutes of detail on every topic or email really eats into my productivity! I trust my associates to do their job and handle their work. If I have to get involved in every detail, why do I need them?

of TX @ Jun 03, 2008 20:15:35 PM

Ridiculous focus on gender

I assumed you wrote the pronoun She because you yourself are a woman, and your experience is speaking AS the boss, what you would like YOUR employee's to think about, so the boss is a She.

Why does using "She" automatically invite snarky comments, when the use of "he" would bring out the raging feminist in us all to batter down the stereotype of the male boss?

I think this is a great piece Alison.

(btw, anyone else had enough "clishes"?)

Dataceptionist @ Jun 03, 2008 19:52:17 PM

female boss

I am a woman director. I always assumed you were a woman because of the way you write. However, I have no problem with using "he" in examples, and I think people in general are too sensitive about this. Keep up the great posts!

semchick of NC @ Jun 03, 2008 16:22:24 PM

Drop the sarcasm

First, each job has a salary cap. If you are content to stay at that level, maybe you can, knowing that complaining hurts you more than it does anyone else.

Second, beat the salary cap with promotions. People who consistently prove they can handle more responsibility are eventually promoted.

Third, if promotion isn't a possibility and you've handled the Second point, you have great talking points for an interview with your next employer

Dan Hibdon of CO @ Jun 03, 2008 13:17:50 PM

not corporate speak!!

really? i didn't think it came across as corporate speak at all. i know the type of thing you're talking about but this isn't it, this was straight forward and very helpful. i sent it to my sister who is trying to have a better relationship with her boss.

joanne of CA @ Jun 03, 2008 12:07:48 PM

he/she

Why was the gender choice even discussed in the first place, by anybody? Everybody is SO TOUCHY nowadays! GEEZ!!!

I am however inclied to agree with the "corporate speak" comment. "OK, now let's look at our "take away" from this "opportunity" to "exhange ideas" on "opening the lines of communication" between supervisor/subordinate and the "ongoing benefits"......I could go on and on.

evilconservative of TN @ Jun 03, 2008 11:52:28 AM

He/She

This article demonstrates perfectly how distracting these gender pronoun issues are. I found myself focusing on "she" throughout. it is more effective to re-write the sentences to remove he or she.

When you bring problems to her, also suggest solutions

When you discuss problems with your boss, offer solutions as well.

KE of OR @ Jun 03, 2008 11:24:32 AM

Good article

A lot of wisdom in a small space. I know these things work. Especially #10. Many people never think to give their boss positive feedback. And we can all tell the difference between positive feedback and brown-nosing.

My boss is a woman--it was refreshing to read an article without the "singular they" or the s/he switch. Thanks

Linda Caviness of AR @ Jun 03, 2008 11:16:55 AM