A guide to training your manager

With tongue planted firmly in cheek, let’s look at approaches that employees can use to gain the upper hand in interactions with their manager.
These steps will ensure that the manager pampers the employee, or at least leaves him or her alone to do what they need to do. The key is to find the style below that most closely matches that manager’s style, and then consider the approaches offered.
If your manager needs to be liked, or has a desire to excessively please others:

1. Milk that need to the fullest by sharing how much you like your manager, or how much you are pleased by his or her behavior.
2. Go out of your way to compliment your manager in front of others, particularly his or her boss or senior management.
3. When making requests, note how much you appreciate that your manager always takes the time to help and support you, and add how pleased you will be if he or she considers your request. Be certain to smile and look up to your manager.

If your manager avoids conflict at all costs and is overly concerned with fairness:

1. Be direct and ask in very specific terms for what you want.
2. If your manager pauses or gives you an indication that he or she isn’t sure of the decision, speak to what is right or fair.
3. Where possible, compare your situation to others’ situations. Ask your manager directly to decide favorably for what you want since others have already been allowed to do what you are asking for.

If your manager is overly authoritarian:

1. When interacting with your manager, do everything to stay one down in the interaction.
2. Say one thing but when out of your manager’s sight, do what you want to do.

If your manager is overly responsible:

1. Continually ask questions of your manager, especially ones that reinforce that the manager is making the decision or has the ability to know what is right.
2. Note how much you appreciate your manager’s support.
3. Always check with your manager before you make a decision. You want to make certain that if anything goes wrong, your manager will feel it is his or her fault.
4. Make sure you have continual access to your manager even outside of regular working hours. Occasionally call your manager at home to confirm a decision you need to make.
5. Tell your manager’s boss or more senior executives how hard working your manager is.

With all of these managers, do the minimum level of work to stay below the radar. The last thing you want is to have others get involved, such as HR, and spoil your handiwork. ●