How to Handle an Unconcerned Boss

By R. David Silva

Marketing Yourself to Your Boss

In order to have your boss be an advocate for you and your ability to contribute to the firm, you need to get an unconcerned boss involved in the aspects of your responsibilities.  You actually have the opposite task of those with bosses who know your job backwards and forward.

You need to be the teacher if your boss is one who knows little or nothing about how to do your job and are mostly unconcerned.  Take every opportunity to report on different facets of your progress.  Render written reports that outline the problems you encountered and how you solved the problems. Meeting with your boss will provide additional educational opportunities but will probably be more productive once you have educated the boss with written reports.  Feel free to refer to your written reports when providing verbal updates or project status reports.

Over time your boss will build comprehension of your functions and consequently the boss will have more confidence in recommending you to handle more responsibility.  Bear in mind that once the boss has learned what you do, you can reduce the frequency of your reports and the time you spend with the boss.  Also remember that your boss is more interested in his or her job than yours.  You are marketing yourself to your boss by simply trying to create a clearer awareness of how you handle your responsibilities. Remember this is not like tooting your own horn!

How to Manage
Your Boss

 

R. David Silva
Business Editor

 25+ years experience
in the world of business/marketing. 

Any topics that you wish to be discussed in this column?
silva@4fashionadvice.com