I Can't Say No to My Boss
21 June 2011
Read by 1661 persons
For several weeks, we have had a new boss. At first, we were really happy because he seemed to want to do great things and above all, he gave us a lot of responsibility. But now there are no limits. Meetings on Saturday mornings, text messages at midnight, unexpected trips (within 5 minutes of his call we have to pack our bags and leave!), reports, fieldwork, in short, I have almost doubled my working hours. The worst thing is that he follows the same rhythm (if not more) and he never seems to be tired. I'm not the only one who is exhausted. More seriously, he keeps telling us: 'Get ready, this is just the beginning, I haven't even shifted into 3rd gear yet!'
That's good news! Yes, what's happening to you is good news because you'll be able to benefit from the aura of a hyper-active manager! Of course, it can be tiring in the long run, but it's a real concentration of experience. After all, your manager is simply playing his role fully: that of team leader, energy booster, and it seems that he is the first to set an example! In addition, you say that he has just arrived. So, this may be his way of working at the beginning of a new job, he may need to "test" the capacity of his team. It's up to you to set the rules of the game with him…
Managing a hyper-active boss
Is it possible? Can we really influence our superior? It all depends on his profile. If he knows how to listen, if he has a dose of empathy and if he is able to question himself, you have a chance. You can increase your chances if you have managed to create a quality relationship based on mutual respect and good understanding. But, given his profile, he must certainly appreciate people who are "straight to the point". So, carefully prepare your "argument" and make sure to keep in mind his main objective, which seems to be summed up in one word: RESULTS. Think about suggestions you could make to him in terms of the team's work efficiency. For example, by reviewing your reporting system, you could probably reduce the number of internal meetings to know "where we are". So it's up to you to put on the "manager's suit" and think like him so that your suggestions really "speak to him".
Knowing how to say no
Knowing how to say no to your "boss" is first and foremost a matter of attitude. Because depending on your attitude, your "boss" will or will not allow certain things. If you remain silent and accept "all" his requests "without flinching", don't expect him to reduce the pace because your silence will automatically be interpreted as approval. On the other hand, if you know how to assert yourself within the company and towards him, then you will be much more comfortable when it comes to saying no to him. But knowing how to say no is also a question of credibility and therefore of results. If you are a "producer" of visible and important results, then your "word" will carry weight. If, on the other hand, you advocate discretion as a basic rule at work and you are one of those people who communicate very little about their achievements, then your "no" will be as surprising as it is refused.
A manager of this profile cannot accept "no" because he will automatically interpret it as an obstacle to his projects. So, anticipate him, and be the first to propose YOUR deadlines, you will certainly be surprised by his positive reaction. In other words, if you don't know how to manage saying no to your manager, make sure you don't find yourself in a situation where you have to.
And your private life?
Do you want to "lose your life to win it"? Your private life is important and you must not lose sight of it. So, if you don't want to be considered a stranger in your family, remember to give importance to what is really important in your life! You will see, this will certainly be the best motivation for you when it comes to managing your manager!
Posted on June 21, 2011
Lavieeco.com
That's good news! Yes, what's happening to you is good news because you'll be able to benefit from the aura of a hyper-active manager! Of course, it can be tiring in the long run, but it's a real concentration of experience. After all, your manager is simply playing his role fully: that of team leader, energy booster, and it seems that he is the first to set an example! In addition, you say that he has just arrived. So, this may be his way of working at the beginning of a new job, he may need to "test" the capacity of his team. It's up to you to set the rules of the game with him…
Managing a hyper-active boss
Is it possible? Can we really influence our superior? It all depends on his profile. If he knows how to listen, if he has a dose of empathy and if he is able to question himself, you have a chance. You can increase your chances if you have managed to create a quality relationship based on mutual respect and good understanding. But, given his profile, he must certainly appreciate people who are "straight to the point". So, carefully prepare your "argument" and make sure to keep in mind his main objective, which seems to be summed up in one word: RESULTS. Think about suggestions you could make to him in terms of the team's work efficiency. For example, by reviewing your reporting system, you could probably reduce the number of internal meetings to know "where we are". So it's up to you to put on the "manager's suit" and think like him so that your suggestions really "speak to him".
Knowing how to say no
Knowing how to say no to your "boss" is first and foremost a matter of attitude. Because depending on your attitude, your "boss" will or will not allow certain things. If you remain silent and accept "all" his requests "without flinching", don't expect him to reduce the pace because your silence will automatically be interpreted as approval. On the other hand, if you know how to assert yourself within the company and towards him, then you will be much more comfortable when it comes to saying no to him. But knowing how to say no is also a question of credibility and therefore of results. If you are a "producer" of visible and important results, then your "word" will carry weight. If, on the other hand, you advocate discretion as a basic rule at work and you are one of those people who communicate very little about their achievements, then your "no" will be as surprising as it is refused.
A manager of this profile cannot accept "no" because he will automatically interpret it as an obstacle to his projects. So, anticipate him, and be the first to propose YOUR deadlines, you will certainly be surprised by his positive reaction. In other words, if you don't know how to manage saying no to your manager, make sure you don't find yourself in a situation where you have to.
And your private life?
Do you want to "lose your life to win it"? Your private life is important and you must not lose sight of it. So, if you don't want to be considered a stranger in your family, remember to give importance to what is really important in your life! You will see, this will certainly be the best motivation for you when it comes to managing your manager!
Posted on June 21, 2011
Lavieeco.com
