One of Bobbie LaPorte’s former managers once told her, “Remember, we all work for someone.” In these trying times of unrelenting uncertainty, your boss may actually need your support just as much as you rely on his or hers. Watch the September 6 “Your Best Next Move” video for tips on how to use your personal agency to help your boss be successful—and benefit you both.
Transcript of Your Best Next Move: How to Gain the Support of Your Boss
Hi everyone, Bobbie LaPorte here again with my weekly leadership tip for your Best Next Move, where I help you see continuing curveballs as an opportunity.
I was looking over these VLOGS that I have been producing since Covid (I can’t believe it’s been that long), and one thing that struck me is that one of the most viewed posts was on having a boss who doesn’t support you. I wasn’t completely surprised, but it was a little unsettling to see how common this is.
In times past, we depended on our manager for knowledge transfer, advocacy, coaching and navigating the corporate landscape, among other things.
But over the last decade, we’ve definitely become more independent, less tied to the fortunes of our boss and more skilled in developing supportive relationships across the organization.
That said, in these times of change and uncertainty, we are now more likely to look for support, guidance and certainty about our professional future. And this is coming at a time when your boss is also likely feeling anxious: no one knows what’s ahead so many leaders are (understandably, but disappointingly) concerned first about their own future. Often the people who work for them are left to figure out the path ahead by themselves.
In previous vlogs, I’ve addressed this, suggesting you are clear about your value in the organization, that you build relationships across the enterprise and stay flexible when change does come.
So, here’s an additional tip when you feel your boss does not support you:
One of my former managers often reminded me: we all work for someone.
It’s important to acknowledge that your job is to help your boss be successful. So, understand what is important to your boss: is it a high-visibility project that might be in trouble; is he aiming for a promotion; maybe he is having challenges with one of your peers that is affecting the entire team.
Remember that you have more currency in the organization than you might think. Use your personal agency to find ways to support your manager in achieving his goals. Doing so could increase your impact and influence in the organization, while going a long way to having your boss become a stronger supporter of – you.
That’s my tip for the week. I’ll see you next Monday.