Give your boss a break

Do you or are you tempted to blame your boss for whatever is not working for you at work? If so, I challenge you to reflect on what part you have played in taking more control over your circumstances and interaction with your boss. Here are three common complaints and tips on how they might handle things differently.

My manager does not listen to me: Communication should be a productive conversation. If you feel like your manager is not listening to you, but are you listening to your manager? What cues may you be sending your manager about how seriously you take what they communicate to you? Do you show any urgency in tackling what you are told is important? Do you give them constructive feedback regularly? If not then you are probably not doing much listening.

My manager micromanages me: It’s true that it’s hard to feel trusted and valued when you feel your work is being constantly scrutinized. But before you scream ‘micromanager’, think for a moment; does your manager have the least reason to not believe that you’ll get the job done? For example do you turn in assignments late? Do you submit shoddy work? Do you show lack of attention to detail? If you conclude your boss has a reason to monitor you closely, work out a plan to improve your work or ask your manager to recommend what you can do differently.

My manager does not motivate me: Your manager has a responsibility to ensure you have the tools, the support, the necessary skill level and the conducive environment to do your job. But where your on-going motivation is concerned are you laying too much responsibility at your boss’ door? What do you think is your role in your own motivation? When you feel demotivated, what ownership do you take to get your fire back? It’s worth thinking through these as it’ll help you take joint responsibility for your motivation at work.

Now take action: Where can you cut your boss some slack?