How to Manage Up: Effectively Working With Difficult Supervisors
Working with a difficult supervisor can be a challenging experience. When your supervisor doesn’t see eye to eye with you, it can cause friction and affect the quality of work that you produce. However, it is inevitable that at some point in your career, you will have to work with someone who is not your ideal boss. This is where the concept of “managing up” comes into play. Managing up is all about taking control of your relationship with your supervisor and finding ways to work effectively with them, despite any differences or challenges you may have. In this article, we will discuss how to manage up and effectively work with difficult supervisors to ensure a positive and successful working relationship.
Understanding Your Difficult Supervisor
Identify Their Management Style
The first step in managing up with a difficult supervisor is to understand their management style. This can help you determine why they act the way they do, and what motivates them. Some supervisors may be more direct and authoritative, while others may prefer a more collaborative approach. Understanding their preferences can help you tailor your communication and work style to better align with theirs.
Consider Their Perspective
Take a step back and try to see things from your supervisor’s perspective. Difficult supervisors may be dealing with their own challenges and pressures that are causing them to act in a certain way. Put yourself in their shoes and try to understand their point of view. This can help you build empathy and approach conflicts with a more understanding and rational mindset.
Communicate Effectively
Be Professional and Respectful
When working with a difficult supervisor, it’s important to maintain a professional and respectful attitude. Avoid becoming defensive or confrontational, as this can escalate the situation. Instead, focus on being calm and polite in your interactions, even when you disagree with them.
Listen and Acknowledge Their Feedback
Listen actively and openly to your supervisor’s feedback. Even if you don’t agree with everything they say, it’s important to acknowledge their perspective and show that you are taking their feedback into consideration. This can help build trust and improve your working relationship.
Communicate Your Needs
It’s important to communicate your needs and expectations to your supervisor clearly. Let them know how they can support you in your role and what kind of communication and feedback works best for you. This can help set clear boundaries and expectations for both of you.
Manage Conflicts Effectively
Pick Your Battles
Not every conflict with a difficult supervisor needs to be addressed. It’s important to pick your battles and only address issues that are causing significant problems or affecting your work. Avoid getting into arguments over minor disagreements or differences in opinion.
Find Common Ground
Look for common ground in your working relationship with your supervisor. This could be anything from shared goals, similar work styles, or a mutual interest in a certain topic. Focusing on what you have in common can help bridge any gaps and improve your working dynamic.
Suggest Solutions, Not Just Problems
When addressing conflicts or issues with your supervisor, it’s important to come prepared with potential solutions. Instead of just pointing out problems, offer constructive suggestions to help improve the situation. This shows your supervisor that you are committed to finding a resolution and can help prevent any further conflicts.
Take Care of Yourself
Set Boundaries
When working with a difficult supervisor, it’s important to set boundaries for yourself. This could mean limiting your communication outside of work hours or setting a strict work-life balance. Setting boundaries can help you maintain your mental health and prevent burnout.
Seek Support
If the situation becomes too difficult to handle on your own, seek support from a colleague, mentor, or human resources. Talking to someone else can provide a fresh perspective and help you come up with solutions to manage your difficult supervisor.
In conclusion, working with a difficult supervisor can be challenging, but by understanding their management style, communicating effectively, managing conflicts, and taking care of yourself, you can effectively manage up and work with even the most difficult supervisors. Remember to stay professional and respectful, and always keep an open mind and a positive attitude towards finding solutions. By managing up, you can not only improve your working relationship with your supervisor but also excel in your role and career.
