Are you in this situation? You and your boss just dont seem to connect and work well together. It isnt that you are having knock down fights. Its just that you know things could be better. You dont want to look for another job so you have to figure out how to make it work. Basically its your responsibility to manage your boss. Here are tips that can get you on the right track.

Know thy boss.
No two people think alike or work alike. No two bosses either. Your job is to find out her specific expectations - not to reform her, reeducate her or make her conform to what the management books recommend. For example: Does she want me to come in once a month and spend 30 minutes presenting the plans and performance of my team? Or does she want me to come in every time there is ay thing to report or to discuss even when there is the slightest change?

Make the boss as effective as possible.
Go to her and ask: What do I do and what do my people do that helps you do your job? And what do we do that hampers you and makes life more difficult for you? You need to find out what your boss needs and what gets in the way. Also realize that it is in your self interest to make the boss successful.

Keep the boss aware.
Make sure she understands the following: What can be expected of you and your people; your goals and objectives; and most important your specific priorities. Bosses, after all, are held responsible by their own bosses for the performance of their people. They must be able to say: I know what Anne (or Joe) is doing. Bosses dont like surprises!

Marcia Zidle

Marcia Zidle, M.S. N.C.C., the ?people smarts? coach, works with business, government and community leaders to quickly solve their people management headaches so they can concentrate on their #1 job ? to grow and increase profits. Her services include:

• What Really Works Handbooks ? resources for managers and supervisors on the front line
• Power-by-the-Hour Programs ? fast, convenient, real life, affordable courses for leadership and staff development
• Your Strategic Partner ? support to leaders who are in positions of high expectations, high visibility and high payoff.

Marcia is founder of Leadership Hooks, a business coaching company, which helps executive teams, operations managers, business owners and agency directors to move their organizations from seat-of-the-pants to feet-on-the-ground leadership.

She brings over 20 years experience from a wide variety of workplace settings, countries, and industries including: health care, financial services, professional practices, automotive and light manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, event management, education, non-profits, local and state government.

Finally, Marcia's ?claim to fame? is experiencing expatriate living with her family in Scandinavia and Australia. She has traveled in over 30 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Far East, and South Pacific. She welcomes invitations to speak internationally so that she can add to her growing list of interesting places to explore.