Credit Union Management’s online-only “NextGen Know-How” column runs the second Wednesday of every month.
I’ve worked for many bosses in my career, and each of them had their own leadership style and set of expectations. Some were supportive and available, others were distant and hands-off. Learning to navigate your new responsibilities as a manager can be challenging and stressful. You are now responsible for the performance of others as well as your individual performance. Most likely you report to a new boss who is higher up in the organization and has more on her plate. As a new leader, it’s just as important to learn how to work effectively with your boss as it is to inspire and engage your team of employees.
If you are new to a leadership role, it can be tricky to figure out just how your boss ticks and what her expectations are. Each boss is different, and you may now be reporting to a higher-level boss like a director or vice president who has different expectations than you are accustomed to. So what sets the excellent leader apart from the mediocre leader in the eyes of the boss? Based on my coaching and consulting work with credit union executives as well as my own experience working for vice presidents and CEOs, I’ve compiled some of the most important tips for being a highly successful employee and getting your boss to love you.
Bring solutions, not problems. Bosses don’t have time to fix problems for you. When faced with a challenge or issue, brainstorm solutions on your own or with a peer. When approaching your boss with a sticky situation, provide your ideas for solutions and seek feedback from your manager. When you upward delegate to the boss, he doesn’t see you as capable of leading a team. Bosses like to know you have thought through an issue before approaching them, and that you are capable of solving problems independently.
Know your boss’s style. Not all bosses are the same. Some like to be hands-on and involved; others take a more distant approach. Knowing your boss’s style will allow you to alter how you work. Don’t expect your manager to change his style for you. If your boss likes to know the details of your functional area, agree on how you will provide the information. Does he like written updates, weekly meetings or some other form of communication? Seek to understand your manager and support him in any way you can. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. If your boss doesn’t naturally provide you with ongoing feedback, be proactive by setting up a meeting and asking what you can do to help him succeed. Always let the boss know that you seek to improve your own leadership so you can make his job easier.
Be the go-to person. Support your manager in any way you can by volunteering to help with projects and taking some work off her plate. Be proactive and enthusiastic in offering your opinions and suggestions in meetings. Offer to take on duties that no one else will. You will quickly become indispensable to your boss and gain her respect and appreciation. In addition, you will deepen your skill set and broaden your responsibilities. When it comes time for a promotion, the boss will look to someone who is proactive and supportive.
Ask for feedback. Many bosses don’t take the time to have formal coaching sessions or performance meetings with their employees. Rather than wait for your boss to approach you with feedback, be proactive and seek it out yourself. Ask your manager how you are doing overall, what areas you can improve in, and what she sees as your strengths. This will demonstrate that you take your job seriously and are always seeking to improve. The best leaders are those who can listen to feedback and apply it to improve their leadership.
Be succinct and clear. Bosses are busy juggling multiple projects and employees, and don’t want the back story behind each situation or problem. When providing data to your boss, focus on facts and be succinct. Hit the main points of your argument or synopsis and be clear and to the point. Not only does brevity convey you know your stuff, but it also expresses your confidence and poise. Follow this rule in meetings as well. Get to the point and don’t waste anyone’s time.
Be responsible. Earn the reputation of delivering on promises and always meeting deadlines. If you need more time for a project, approach your boss ahead of time to explain the reasoning and negotiate a new deadline. If you make a mistake, take responsibility and share what you have learned from the situation. Bosses like to be in the loop; don’t cover up mistakes or wait for the boss to approach you on the day of a deadline. Being a leader means following through on commitments and deadlines.
Be strategic. To be effective in your role, you must be knowledgeable in other areas of the credit union in addition to your functional area. Bosses are looking for well-rounded leaders who have an overall understanding of the business and can contribute in a global way. Be proactive in learning about the financials, operations, and other areas of the organization so you can contribute on a more substantial level.
Anticipate needs. Don’t wait for your manager to assign tasks and duties. Bosses love employees who anticipate needs and volunteer to take tasks off their plates. By volunteering to help the boss, you alleviate their stress and workload. For example, if you know your boss has a board meeting coming up, volunteer to put the reports together or prepare her presentation. Write important departmental meetings on your calendar as a reminder to follow up with your manager to offer support. Go above and beyond your boss’s expectations.
Exhibit positivity. Bosses don’t want employees who are needy or habitually complain. Exhibit a positive, can-do attitude by approaching your work with drive and passion. Have a sense of humor and connect with the boss on a personal level. Everyone enjoys working with people who are pleasurable and friendly.
Be resourceful. Don’t run to your boss for every issue or challenge you have. Seek out your own answers and solve the problem yourself. Do research, ask a colleague for advice or brainstorm solutions. Your boss will see you as a true leader if you handle the day-to-day issues of your team on your own.
Be honest. Bosses aren’t looking for “yes-men.” They are looking for honest feedback and suggestions that will make for better decisions. When your boss asks your opinion, help him see different perspectives so he can make an informed choice. Don’t hold back your thoughts and suggestions. It’s important to be respectful, but that doesn’t mean always agreeing with the boss. By offering different perspectives in a respectful manner, you send the message that you can think for yourself and be a true leader.
Laurie J. Maddalena, MBA, CPCC, PHR, is a certified executive coach, consultant and founder of Envision Excellence, LLC, Rockville, Md. She was also an HR executive at a $450 million credit union. Contact her at 240.605.7940 or lmaddalena@envisionexcellence.net.
