When it comes to developing a great relationship with a boss, most of us can use all the help we can get. You have more power than you think.
I’ve been having a blast talking with leaders and writers on tips for creating a great relationship with your boss.
Their questions are challenging and ideas robust.
Today I share excerpts and insights from a few of these conversations.
If you haven’t yet seen my book, download a free chapter here.
Overcoming An Imperfect Boss
Interview With JJ Jarell – The Business of People in Leadership
Let’s start the talk with a podcast from JJ Jarell:
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- Karin shares her most embarrassing moment
- Karin’s most awesome (and worst) boss
- Document your own accomplishments
- Getting your boss to trust you
- Working with a disengaged boss
- Broadening your network – turning to people who can help you
Interview with Moe Abdou, 33 Voices
As a leader build your subordinate relationships with these R.E.A.L. principles:
- Results: Focus and measure results
- Energy: Make it energizing and personal
- Authentic: Invite candor and authenticity
- Learning: Make it about constant learning
Listen to the podcast or download the inspirational moments slideshow here.
How to Transform a Relationship with a Bad Boss
Interview with Leadership Freak – Dan Rockwell
Be careful that you don’t become like the bad boss. Bad bosses often teach us who not to be. Bad bosses are:
- Unproductive – They run update meetings rather than collaboration meetings.
- Demeaning – They treat people above them differently from people below them.
- Closed – They’re not open to feedback.
- Short-sighted – They don’t invest in development.
- Confused – They have unclear vision and cause rework.
- Wasteful – They waste people’s time.
- Disrespectful – Common courtesy goes a long way to solving tensions.
- Disorganized – No explanation necessary.
- Indulgent – They think they’re above others and take special treatment.
- Self-Centered – Their career is Their ultimate concern.
Become a great boss or employee by becoming the opposite of an imperfect boss. Dan challenged me by asking: “You’re telling me all about the wonderful bosses who supported you in your career what was it about you that made them invest so deeply.”
Questions like that sure make you think. I’ll ask you the same question. Worth closing your eyes and making a list. Read more and listen to interview excerpts at Leadership Freak.
Q&A With Karin Hurt: Overcoming An Imperfect Boss
Interview with ASTD – Julie Winkle Giulioni
Question: Have you learned more from good or bad bosses? Which do you think are more powerful teachers for most people?
Answer: Bad, hands down. If we can get past the frustration and allow the learning to seep in, bad boss behavior teaches us what not to do at a deep emotional level. We are more empathetic to the impact we’re having on others. Also, paying attention to your reaction teaches you to manage your own emotions and stress.
Read the full interview at ASTD.org.
6 Proven Ways To Work With A Bad Boss
Interview with Inc. Magazine – Peter Economy
Dislike your boss? You’re not alone.
According to research on the topic, three out of four employees say that dealing with their boss is the worst and most stressful part of their job. Two-thirds say they would happily take a new boss over a pay raise.
According to Karin Hurt, author of Overcoming An Imperfect Boss, “The secret to a healthy boss-subordinate relationship is to remember that it’s just that, a relationship. You’re two messy human beings doing the best you can.”
Read more at Inc.com
How to Manage an Imperfect Boss
Interview With Susan Adams – Forbes
Question: What if your boss is a jerk?
Answer: “The most important thing is not to become a jerk yourself,” says Hurt. She recalls a boss who periodically lost her composure and blamed her direct reports for her mistakes.
Hurt and three colleagues got together and initiated individual conferences with the boss. “First we said: something is not right and we want to help you.” Hurt recalls, “I told her how her behaviors were impacting me and I said: I must be doing something wrong.”
The boss wound up confessing that she was feeling undue pressure and acknowledging that she was taking it out on others. The lessons Hurt learned from this encounter: do not point fingers. Instead, describe how the boss’s behavior is impacting you and volunteer to share the responsibility.
Read more at Forbes.com.
There is No Such Thing as an Ideal Leader
People Equation – Jennifer Miller
The humanity of leadership is a key theme in Karin’s book. She says that one of the reasons she wrote the book is to help people understand that leadership isn’t about achieving an unobtainable level of perfection In the end, my very-human leader did me a huge favor.
It’s tough living up to a superhuman standard. Had I not seen that even the best–of–the–best sometimes do things that cause upset, I may have not been willing to step up to lead when the time came. Read more at People-Equation.com.
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So glad you hooked up with ASTD. You should do a webcast about your book with them.
So much good stuff in the post.
Jim, Thanks so much! I would surely love that.
Karin – a great round-up of thoughts regarding your book. Thanks for including me.