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Manage your boss to go up the ladder
S Madhavan
For managing subordinates, there is a set of procedures, rules, rand standing orders. The superior also has award and reward systems which will compel the subordinates to obey his dictates. Further, the `stick' approach will instill a fear in subordinates, so that they will not mind obeying the superior's orders. But managing a boss is a complex job. Without managing the boss, it is difficult to climb up the ladder of success in an organisation.Today we are in global competition. The market decides the product, process and the organisation. Organisations are shrinking. There are restructuring, down-sizing exercises and various activities to cut costs and be competitive in the market. This naturally affects the number of slots at the top. So there is a mad rush to reach the top. This is possible with the help of the boss only. The performance appraisal systems, merit rating systems, performance per se all can help an individual to be on the fast track. Only those who have the blessings of the boss cansurpass others in the track. So, the art of managing the boss should be known to every executive, more so for budding managers. After crossing the fifties, even if it is known, it will be difficult to practise. Let us see how this art can be practised usefully:- Be close to the personal assistant or personal secretary of the chief executive Through him, try to know the personal strengths and weaknesses of the CEO Extend possible help through the PA, whenever the CEO wants his personal needs to be met. Let it not be done directly. But make the CEO known that the help has gone from your side Try to know the interests of his family. Try to provide occasional help to the family even by going out of the way. They may have some special tastes. Through your contacts let their special tastes be fulfilled Do not give importance to your thoughts and feelings. Try to implement your thoughts and feelings through your boss. Give him the feeling that you are only carrying out hisaspirations. Let him have that pleasure. Tickle his vanity When there is a conflict between the goals of the organisation and your boss, try to be by the side of your boss. He will take care of your interests when he succeeds. Or even if he fails, he will help you in his new organisation. That is how many follow the leaders Do not hurt his ego or his family's Also, cultivate your interests and hobbies in line with the taste of the boss and his family. At least pretend to show that your interests are identical to his interests Last but not the least, do not speak ill of him at any time nor comment at his weaknesses. Let him know that you are his ambassador Do not feel that you are the organisation and the organisation runs on your head. But certainly it runs on the shoulders of your boss. So give a helping hand to himFollow these and success shall be yours. The writer is Deputy General Manager, Personnel & Administration, Wimco Ltd. Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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