Too many leaders make the mistake of thinking they can manage their boss from afar. They somehow convince themselves that with distance, comes safety. After all, it works that way with so many other things in life. But make no doubt about it, it’s bad strategy when it comes to managing the boss (or those other “b words,” like your Board, or Bank), especially when times get tough.
So what does it mean to manage your boss like a bar fight? If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to be in a bar fight, you’ve likely learned this lesson. Never give the other guy room to swing, especially if he’s bigger and stronger than you. Organizationally speaking, the boss is always bigger and stronger. If you give this bigger guy distance, there is nothing stopping him from rearing back and clocking you, and you may never see it coming.
The better strategy is too get in close and take away his leverage. Being in close enables you to maneuver into the position that gives you the best advantage and mitigate his edge in strength. Same thing applies to managing your boss. Get in close. Frequency matters. Learn to speak short-hand and get “inside” of what he or she is thinking. Don’t overdo it, but by all means don’t under-do it, lest you run the risk of not seeing the punch that takes you out.
As an undergraduate with corporate aspirations, I can really appreciate such advice. If only my business professors were able to convey information in such an entertaining and understandable way…
Hello!
Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!
PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language
See you!
Your, Raiul Baztepo
Hi !!
My name is Piter Kokoniz. oOnly want to tell, that I like your blog very much!
And want to ask you: is this blog your hobby?
Sorry for my bad english:)
Thank you!
Piter Kokoniz, from Latvia
[...] First of all, accept that you can not effectively manage your boss from afar. The avoidance technique is notoriously unsuccessful because, while your boss may behave badly, he certainly is not stupid. He knows that you are avoiding him and he probably resents it. I suggest that you manage your boss in close, with frequency. I call this managing your boss like a bar fight. [...]
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