Manage the Boss - Part 2

2. Anticipate and address a boss’ concerns.  The trick here is a technique from what we call Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and is about being able to see the different “perceptual positions” around an issue. Put simply this means seeing something through someone else’s eyes, so you understand their thoughts, feelings, worries and perspectives.


An obvious way is to ask them! And we’d definitely encourage you to fnd the right opportunities to do just that. However, sometimes there’s neither time, nor is it appropriate. So what do you do then? You put yourself in their shoes. And when we say in their shoes – we mean wearing their shoes and looking through their eyes! This is not how you would feel in their shoes. You’re not them!


So, this is easier said than done. But here’s a few killer questions to ask yourself:


What will my  boss be anxious about?


What do his bosses expect of him?


How does what I do to help him/her look good?


If I/we do “x”, what might he/she be concerned about?


By answering these questions you’ll be much clearer about what you need to do to both pre-empt and address their concerns. It also significantly increases their perception you really understand where they are coming from, which in turn significantly  strengthens the trust and relationship between you.








To Be Continued ....