Like most of us, you’re probably stuck at the office late everyday doing what your manager was supposed to, but didn’t. What if we told you that you never had to do that again?
Learn how to upward-manage your boss like a pro, by using The 5 Love Languages. Understand what makes them tick, by trying out these tactics below.
Expressing love with words that build up the other person. For example:
- “Meera, thank you for sending out the annual newsletter, even if it was a week late. And even if it meant we had to log on to your computer and do it for you.”
- “Pradip sir, I really appreciated that you shared my ideas at the panel discussion you attended last week. It would have been great if you could have given me credit too.”
Picture courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Doing things for them that they would like. We know when it comes to your manager, this means anything that will make their life easier. For example:
- Do their reimbursements for the past year (try not to wonder how much they must be getting paid if they can ignore 12 months worth of expenses).
- Wait, on their behalf, outside the government office for three hours, right up until the minister is ready to meet them. Then, go get them, and leave.
Related article: ‘Out-of-office’ emails you wish you could send
Give them something that makes them feel appreciated (and in this case, that makes your life easier as well).
- Clara – a virtual email assistant: This will ensure that you never have to schedule calls and appointments on behalf of your manager (fingers crossed that it doesn’t mean you lose your job to AI).
- A copy of the movie ‘Horrible Bosses’: Enough said. Your manager will get the hint even if they don’t end up watching the movie.
This is all about undivided attention. For example:
- Have weekly check-ins with them to find out about the challenges they are facing at work (since they clearly aren’t bothered to come to check-ins and find out about yours).
- Drive them home in their car, and then take a train from there to your house in the opposite direction.
This one pretty much explains itself, and all we can say is: Avoid at all costs.
